LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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THE 



Young Chaplain. 



" I feel that the cause requires the sacrifice of dearest interests." 

— Page 92. 



BY HIS MOTHER. 




NEW YORK: 

N. TIBBALS & SONS, PUBLISHERS, 
No. 37 Park Row. 

1876. 



The manuscript for this little work was written 
soon after William's death, but for many reasons was 
not printed at that time. Although years have passed, 
his friends still feel that to have the story of his short 
life before them in print will tend to strengthen and 
comfort their still sorrowing hearts ; that the words he 
has spoken, the self-sacrificing spirit he manifested in 
defense of his country, and, more than all, his earnest- 
ness, zeal, and fidelity in the cause of his Divine Mas- 
ter, may stir their hearts — influencing them more and 
more to live as he lived, so far as he followed Christ, 
thus becoming more and more ready to die as he died, 
calmly, believing, trusting, saying as he said, " Now, 
if it be the will of God." 
. New Haven, Ct., March ist, 1876. 



CONTENTS. 



The Chaplain's Early Life— His Eastern Home— Trebizond — 
Cllimpse of the City— Constantinople— Smyrna— Boyhood 
Correspondence— Editing Newspapers — Kite Flying— The 
Kosta Affair— Missionary Work and Times in the Orient. 

• 1 Page 5-3S 

Sails for America— Voyage Notes— Arrival at Boston - School 
and College Days— Teaching Experiences— Decides to En- 
ter the Ministry— Studies in Kentucky— Begins Preaching- 
Anxiety over the Threatening Condition of the Country — 
Devotion to the Union —War Letters— Enlists as a Soldier. 

Page 39 — 96 

Appointed Chaplain of the 13th Kentucky \'olunteers - Buell's 
Army— First Attempt to Preach to the Troops — Marches 
and Skirmishes— Among the Enemy's Pickets- Leave of 
Ab.sence — Ordained as a Minister -Li the Field Again— In- 
terest in the Soldiers -Views of the Prayer-Meeting -P'aith. 
Courage, Hope for the Country— No Despairing in his 
Work — Camp Exposure— The Chaplain's Sudden Illness- 
Death— Letters on his Life and Character. Page 97 -13S 



In December, 1833, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston sailed 
from Boston in company with Mr. and Mrs. Schnei- 
der, for Smyrna, Asia Minor, as missionaries of the 
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- 
sions. A voyage of forty-seven days brought them to 
that city. From thence they proceeded to Constanti- 
nople in a sailing-vessel ; for at that time there were 
no steamers on those seas. Mr. Schneider was sta- 
tioned at Broosa. Mr. Johnston, after some delay, 
went to Trebizond, occupying the station permanently 
in the spring of 1835. 



William Curtis Johnston, the subject of this memo- 
rial, was born at Trebizond, Asia Minor, on the nth 



of June, 1839. ^^ ^^^^ t^^ second son of Rev. 
Thomas P. Johnston and Marianne C. Howe Johns- 
ton. His paternal ancestors were of Scotch-Irish de- 
scent, and settled in Iredell County, North Carolina. 
His paternal grandmother, Mary Hall Johnston, was 
a grand-niece of the well-known divine, Dr. Rob- 
ert Hall, of North Carolina, from whose ancestors 
descended a regular line of ministers of the Gospel, of 
whom William was the youngest and the last. His 
maternal ancestors were of English descent, and settled 
in New England. His maternal grandfather, Curtis 
Howe, was born in Granville, Massachusetts, May 10, 
1772, married Sibyl Phelps, of Springfield, Massa- 
chusetts, and went to Swanton, Vermont, where he re- 
sided many years ; subsequently he removed to Ohio. 
He led a long and uniformly Christian life, and died at 
Grasshopper Falls, Kansas, January 16, 1871, in the 
ninety-ninth year of his age. 



The city of Trebizond lies upon the southern shore 
of the Black Sea, about 600 miles east of Constanti- 
nople. The population at this time was estimated at 
about 30,000, composed principally of Turks, Arme- 
nians, Greeks, and Jews. William's mother was then 
the only woman in the place who spoke the English lan- 
guage. The prospect around the city and in the distance 
is charming. The sea comes dashing in from the north. 
The peaks of the Circassian Mountains rise in the east. 
The trees around the city appear above the red-tiled 
roofs of the houses ; everything is inviting and cheerful 
till you reach the interior of the place. Then you come 
into narrow, filthy streets, walled in, and you are at once 
reminded that you are in a Turkish city. On the south 
you will find many by-paths — no roads — leading into the 
country, the principal one of which goes on to Persia. 

The home of William's childhood was remarkably 
quiet and secluded. The house in which he was born 



was a stone structure inclosed on all sides by a thick 
stone wall — so high that we could not view the street 
even from the highest window. Two large, heavy 
gates opened communication through the yard, from 
street to street, secured inside by large wooden beams 
drawn across them from crevices in the wall. Beyond 
this inclosure the children were not allowed to go, un- 
less accompanied by some trusty person. In the 
yard, nearly in front of the house, stood a large, beau- 
tiful pomegranate tree, under the boughs of which the 
little boy passed many a playful hour, watching, first, 
the deep crimson blossom, and then the ripening fruit. 
When he was nearly two years old he had the small- 
pox. We consulted our medicine-book (for there was 
no reliable physician in the place). He grew worse. 
Providentially, Dr. Bell, of the English Embassy to 
Persia, was passing through the city, and was called in 
to see him. He at once pronounced it the small-pox, 
and ordered the mother and child into strict quaran- 
tine. The severity of the disease, however, had passed. 



. 9 

The eruption appeared, and the pustules on his little 
hands seemed a perfect wonderment to himself, and 
furnished him while in that lone place with many an 
hour of talk, after his own fashion. 

The plague, too, raged fearfully, for weeks and even 
for months at a time. Our children were as though 
they were in prison. We dare not come in contact 
with any one from without. Great is the alarm when 
this disease appears. The Christians flee in all direc- 
tions. The Mussulman is a fatalist : if he Is to die, 
he will die ; he does not flee. We and our children 
were mercifully preserved amid much suffering and 
death. The family, during the hot season, often re- 
sorted to the hills a short distance from the city. Wil- 
liam's journey thither was performed In a basket tied 
to the side of a mule, with his brother in a basket on 
the other side, and a large mass of bedding or other 
baggage thrown between them upon the top of the 
animal. When all was ready, the muleteer, with 
cudgel in hand, drove on till they reached the village. 



10 

Here a native hut answered for kitchen, a corn-crib for 
bed-room, and a hazel-nut grove for dining-room and 
parlor. The crib stood upon four posts, three feet or 
more from the ground. The floor was of wicker-work, 
and the roof so low that none but the " wee " little 
ones could stand erect under it. There the children 
slept — and sweetly too, for the crib was clean, and free 
from vermin — which could not be said of the hut. 
There, too, with no artificial walls to restrict their way, 
the little fellows bounded from grove to dense wood, 
following the herdsmen to the cool brook. It was real 
sport for young boys who had been confined in a 
Turkish city for nearly a year. William had with him 
his American cards of easy reading, and enjoyed his 
lessons quite as much as his play. His love of study 
and books showed itself in his first knowledge of 
them, and the missionary mother, of all others, may be 
well content if her boy loves study, for where will she 
find a farm or v/ork-shop for him ? The winter of his 
fifth year he read the book of Psalms aloud to his 



II 

mother. He read in the early evening, and was so 
eager to read too long, that a certain number of verses 
was allotted him for each lesson. Placing his Bible 
upon the table, and seating himself in his high chair 
he read in a clear, full voice, and so earnest in expres- 
sion, that he seemed to catch a little of the spirit of 
the great Psalmist whose words he was repeating. 

At this age he could talk in the Turkish language 

about as well as in the English, but as soon as he 

beean to read and understand his own language for 

himself, the English soon got ahead of the Turkish. 

He used the one for convenience and the other for 

improvement. He was often out-doors on Greek and 

Turkish holidays, where crowds of men, women, and 

children were assembled for recreation on the Medan, 

or public square. The natives wore the fez (close red 

cloth head-dress), and were often curious to know what 

our boys' hats were made of; and when told, straw, 

said : '' We would not wear seman (straw) upon our 

heads." 



12 

All were equipped in gay colors, sending forth 
salaams — greetings — and even the poor beggar joyed 
over his nearly full cup of paras, or coins, of which it 
took about eight to make a penny. 

William often met funeral processions upon the 
street. The corpse, sometimes gayly and richly dressed, 
was borne through the streets in an open box, the 
priests and church boys following, bearing lighted 
tapers. Then came mourning-women with loud lamen- 
tation. At the church the corpse was put in a winding- 
sheet — not in a coffin — and laid in a shallow grave. At 
the church-gate was a man with a large copper platter 
full of boiled wheat, sprinkled with sugar, a handful of 
which was given to each one passing, in order to secure 
a prayer for the rest of the soul of the dead. 

In these uncivilized countries funerals are conducted 
in a hurried, careless manner; yet it is death, and the 
thoughtful child, though young, will not forget the 
solemn scene. 

The arrival of missionary friends from America, on 



13 

their way to Persia, was hailed with great joy by the 
children. No introduction was necessary. They list- 
ened with eagerness to the things they said about the 
land of their fathers. The visit was worth more to 
them, twice over, than the same time spent over books, 
and the lone, monotonous life to which they were sub- 
ject was broken in upon for a little. The time, how- 
ever, seemed too short, for in a few days the boxes 
were ready, the mules loaded, and the friends were off 
— quite a little caravan, following on in each other's 
track. 

William's first Sabbath lessons were reading a chap- 
ter from the Bible with his elder brother and sister, 
and asking questions upon it. His questions were 
generally ready, and showed that he thought on 
what he read, and wished to understand it. No read- 
ing interested him more than Bible history. 

In 1844, the family left Trebizond for Smyrna, on the 
eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. William found 



14 

here a little company of missionary children, whose 
society was congenial, profitable, and safe. It was a 
sort of new life. Many marks of civilization were observ- 
able. There were many English and French residents; 
the Franks, or foreigners, showed some energy ; the mer- 
chants among them had finely-built stores, instead of 
open sheds like the Turkish bazaars. Willie now and 
then saw a carriage, something he had never seen at 
Trebizond. The Franks wore hats, and the ladies wore 
bonnets, but the streets were, as they are in all Turkish 
cities, narrow and filthy. The first Christmas we spent 
at Smyrna was a solemn day to the children and to us all. 
Samuel Riggs,* one of the missionary boys, about eight 
years old, was buried on that day ; he had fallen from a 
terrace, and died in a few hours. A few days after. 
Miss Shrewsbury died. She was a sister of Mrs. John 
B. Adger. These were the first funerals the children 
had witnessed among friends. 

* Son of Dr. Elias Riggs. 



15 

The summer of 1845, the house we were In was 
burned. At sunset we hurried away, having secured 
nearly all our goods. The flames were rushing on be- 
hind us, and a dense crowd before us. The little ones 
were in danger of being crushed as well as burned. We 
spent the night in an open field, and the next morning 
went to the village of Bournabat, two hours distant from 
the city. Willie's stay in the village was pleasant and 
healthy. He was much in the open air, and not hurried 
in his lessons, amusing himself watching the flocks 
of sheep and goats following the shepherd over the hills. 
He now began to write short notes to his companions, 
and also to older friends. Mrs. Brown * took much in- 
terest in the missionary children, writing them little 
notes, which pleased them, and were a source of im- 
provement. We have not his own notes, but give ex- 
tracts from those of his friends. 



* Sister of the late Commodore Porter, and mother of the late John P. 
Brown, who was for many years connected with the American Legation 
at Constantinople. 



i6 



" Constantinople, Oct. 25, 1845. 

** My Dear William : — I was surprised to receive such 
a nice little letter from you — as the only recollection I 
have of you is as a little infant in your mother's arms ; 
but, as children do not remain infants, I ought to have 
remembered that t/iat was five or six years ago. You 
wish me to write you in a large hand, and I am doing 
so, and you must let me know if you can read this let- 
ter. By what you tell me of your studies, you will, I 
see, one day become a learned man. Write to me by 

the next steamer. 

'' M. P. BroWxN." 



^'Trebizond, Dec, 1846. 

" I am glad to see you are improving in your writing, 
and I hope you will try and be a good scholar in every- 
thing. Little Hattie Charnaud is a very fat little girl, and 
looks like her sister, Eveline. Little Edward Stevens, 
too, is large enough to walk on the Medan. Mrs. 
Stoddard's Hattie in Ooroomiah knows nearly all her 
letters. Mary Bliss knows A and O, but no more. 
I send you a purse — how would you like to put money 
in it for the poor heathen children, and see how much 
you will get in the New Year, 1847 ? 

''Mrs. E. E. B." 



i; 



"Erzroom, Jan. 29, 1847. 

'♦ My dear little Friend :— Many days have passed 
since I received your last letter, but you must not sup- 
pose that it was uninteresting to me because it has 
remained a long time unanswered. You must remem- 
ber that you are as yet but a little boy, and that Dr. 
Smith has a great many friends older than you to 
whom he must first pay attention. There are his sick 
friends, for whom he must prepare medicine ; there 
are his missionary associates, to whom he must write 
long letters ; and there are his Armenian brethren, with 
whom he must converse. Every week he spends three 
or four evenings in visits to their houses ; and in this 
way he occupies much time which it would be very 
agreeable to employ in writing to you. But to explain 
more fully. At one house where I visit, there are 
three children whom I teach every evening, either 
about the multiplication table, which we used to play 
at Trebizond, or about some other useful thing. Now, 
I want to ask you, William, whether you are to become 
a learned man, and then commence teaching those who 
have ignorant parents? If so, you must write me in 
your next letter all about it, and what you are learning 
nowadays to help you on. Gregor, whom you used 
to know, is living with me, and sends you, and all your 
family, much love. 

"AzARiAH Smith." 
2 



i8 

William was now eight years old, a healthy, active, 
social, loving little fellow, very pleasant to us all. He 
was much interested in his correspondence. His 
own notes cost him some labor. He was not much 
drilled in spelling; was told to go to the dictionary and 
learn how to spell a word before he wrote it. This was 
rather a tedious rule, but very effectual ; for in his first 
writing we find very few words misspelled. The boys 
•of the Mission were very fond of boat-making and boat- 
sailing; of kite-making and kite-flying; you would see 
.them on a terrace upon the top of a high house, their 
kites rising higher and higher, with the shout and glee 
of the player after them. They often, too, had a ride 
.upon a donkey. This was done up in real Oriental 
style. They had no bridles, and if the driver perchance 
lagged behind, as he often did, the headstrong donkey 
would stand still in the street, or run up a bank, or 
down into a ditch, remaining stationary until the driver 
came up ; then by force of the cane the donkey would 
go off on a gallop, and as like as not, in a moment or 



19 

two, be down upon his fore legs, the rider tipping 
over his head, and landing upon the ground. Another 
favorite recreation was sea-bathing. A white-turbaned 
caiquegee (boatman) would row them out where the 
water was deep and clear near the shore. This was in- 
deed a refreshing exercise on hot summer mornings, 
such as we had there. 

The spring of 1847, M^- Johnston left home for 
Aleppo, Aintab, and other places. His family during 
his absence spent the summer months at Boujah, a vil- 
lage east of the city, about one hour distant. This 
summer William began writing a journal : 



*' June 18, 1847. — Last Friday was my birth-day, and I 
was eight years old. I received a ball, a little tract, two 
cherries, and a pair of shoes ; these are the presents I re- 
ceived." " Yesterday was Sunday ; we went to Sabbath- 
school ; Mr. Lewis, the English chaplain, preached. His 
text was in the Epistle to the Hebrews, 9th chapter, 
27th verse. He preached about death in his sermon." 

''Last Monday we celebrated the 5th of July because 
the 4th was Sunday. We got up early and went with 



20 



Samuel Benjamin into the open fields and picked 
flowers, and ornamented the rooms and the yard and 
everywhere, and then waited for the Riggs and Ben- 
jamins to come ; but they did not come after all, be- 
cause they could not get donkeys. We celebrated it 
by fighting the Revolutionary War, and pulling down 
the statue of old King George, and then played all 
sorts of things." 

'' Last week Mr. Riggs received a letter from Mr. 
Everett ; the news was that Mary Dwight has had a very 
bad pain in her head. She died on Monday the 5th, 
the very same day we were playing with all our might 
and celebrating the 4th." " Mr. Benjamin comes out 
to hear brother Fronty's Latin lessons, because papa 
has gone to Aintab to preach the gospel." " Every 
day we have a fine bath in cold water, and it is very 
nice, I like it very much. Fronty is going to the city 
with Mr. B. Yanni"^ has gone for the donkey. I shall 
feel very lonely without him." 



* Yanni was a Greek domestic who lived with us the greater part of 
fifteen jears ; the children were much attached to him and he to them. 
He was truthful and faithful. He could read a little, and improved rap- 
idly : we read with him in the Armeno-Turkish Bible, and he in the Greco- 
Turkish. He would ask Mr, Johnston many questions — wanted to know 
if the Bible taught as his Church taught. At length he renounced many 
of the ceremonies of the Greek Church ; said of the long fasts, Bosh— 
empty. After we left he lived with Mr. Parsons, of Nicomedia, who 
wrote us that Yanni gave evidence of being a true believer in Christ, and 



21 



''To-day is the day for the Austrian steamboat from 
Constantinople; I expect a letter from Mrs. Brown. 
We are very careful not to eat many grapes now, and 
fruit, because the cholera is in Smyrna. I hope to see 
brother Fronty's face to-morrow. We expect Frances 
Benjamin here to-day, and I am going to town. I hope 
God will keep Frances coming up here, and /going 
down there, in safety. This morning, before prayers 
or breakfast, Fronty painted his ship black. At noon 
he made sixteen cannons for his brig of war yuliiis 
CcEsar, Yanni brought three letters, two for me— one 
from Mrs. Brown, and one from Charles P. Dwight." 
" Aug. i8.— We have heard the cholera is in Erzroom ; 
Dr. Smith will tell us all about it when he comes to 
attend the annual meeting of the Mission, which is to 
be at Smyrna." 

Mrs. Brown says, May 2 : " I have just received your 
letter of the 29th, in which you regret that our corre- 
spondence is about to end ; I am happy to say that 
that need not be, as we have given up all idea of going 
to the United States this summer. I am pleased that 
you are so fond of drawing; I will continue to send 
you little sketches of mine. I had heard of the mutiny 
on board the Ganges, and we were well content that 



he wrote us himself that he felt the love of God in his heart. This was 
cheering news. 



22 



an overruling Providence had prevented our being in 
her ; it is well it did not happen after they were out in 
the Atlantic. You want to know what kind of an ani- 
mal the gazelle is. It is like a very small deer, is of fawn- 
color, with large, beautiful eyes, and can jump a yard 
high — straight up. It used to follow Mrs. Brown about 
the house like a child. Your little sister must be very 
interesting, now that she is walking and learning to talk. 
What would you take for her ? We have not one child 
about our house. Let me know, and if you don't ask 
too much I will try and buy her." 



'' BOUJAH, July 23, 1847. 

"Dear Papa: — We were all delighted with the 
beautiful pressed flowers you sent us, and it was so 
very kind in Baron Nishan to press them for us. Our 
American cousins, uncles, and grandpa will be de- 
lighted to see flowers from Gethsemane, and all the 
places around Jerusalem. On brother F.'s birthday he 
had given him the ' Memoir of Harlan Page,' five 
piasters in gold, and eleven sugar-plums. On mamma's 
birthday, the present she received was, our promise to 
be good children. Now I will ask you some questions : 
Who washes your clothes ? Who makes your bed ? 



23 



Who cooks your breakfast, dinner, and supper? Do 
you get grapes, figs, etc., at Aleppo? Tell Baron 
Nishan we thank him very much for the pressed flow- 
ers. I hope you will get to Aintab in safety. I am now 
studying the History of the United States. 

" Your affectionate son, 

" William." 



His father, on his way between Aleppo and Aintab, 
going on a little before his company, was met by a 
highway robber, who, pointing his gun at him, de- 
manded his money. He spoke to him in Turkish, and 
in some way engaged his attention till the company 
appeared, when the robber fled. His young sons on 
hearing this became alarmed, and seemed to think of 
him only as facing the robber, or meeting some new 
danger, and finally, after waiting long and anxiously to 
see him, on going on board to' meet him, they could 
hardly recognize him, so sunburnt was his face, and his 
beard was so lone. 



24 



'* December 9. — We are in town now. The house 
has three fountains, and a terrace upon the top. To- 
day, I am to draw a picture of the bark Niagara. 

''Mr. RIggs preached yesterday. His text was: 
' Arise ! shine, for thy light has come, and the glory of 
the Lord is risen upon thee.' Isaiah xl. i. Brother 
Henry Is very sick. I put my flag half-mast because 
he is sick." " 12th. — H. is better. He expects Meta 
Benjamin here at twelve o'clock to stay till half-past 
four or five." 



After the hot season had gone by and the cholera 
subsided, he commenced study In earnest ; this year he 
had some companions in his studies. 



" I am now learning Latin with William Whitall. 
Miss Howard ^^ teaches us. I am also learning French. 
A French gentleman, Mr. Raziglo, Is our teacher. 
Last Saturday we went to Narlee Kney. It is a Turk 



* The late Mrs. William Wood, of the Mahratta Mission. 



25 



ish name. Translated, it means the Village of Pome- 
granates. Papa has gone to Tocat. He went first to 
Constantinople, and then he expected to go to Sam- 
soon, and then to Zilleh." 



He was now allowed to walk in the street alone, and 
began to do little jobs of work and thought himself 
almost a man. 



'* To-day I did not have any Latin to learn, but I had 
French at noon. This afternoon we made a ship out 
of boards, and put a mast and bowsprit in her and four 
sails. F. and S. were the sailors and I was the captain. 
Yesterday I went to the English Church with Miss 
Watson. Mr. Walters preached about John the Bap- 
tist. This morning I cut twenty-three sticks of wood 
before breakfast, and during the day twenty-nine more. 
This is a Greek holiday. All the flags are up. Papa, 
F., S., and I, went to the point ; the large new mill 
they are building was open. The French steamer came 
at noon. The Queen Dowager is dead. I spinned my 
top for half an hour, and then went to my lessons. At 
sunset we went home with John Delacio ; from there 



26 



Ave went to meeting. Very few attended. Mr. and 
Mrs. Van Lennep were there. Yesterday was Sabbath. 
Papa preached in the Dutch Chapel. We sang some 
hymns after supper, and had prayers in Turkish." 



The following note was written to his brother, then 
in Athens, Greece : 

"Sept. 30, 1850. 

" Dear Brother : — I suppose you are in a Greek quar- 
antine. Was the sea rough any? Is Athens a better 
city than Smyrna? The Afton left on Sunday 
morning. That pious Italian family which was here 
embarked on her. There is no news by the French 
steamer, except that Professor Webster is 'executed. 
We have a letter for you from Mr. Parsons, but the 
paper is too thick to send to Athens. The ships are 
covered with signals. If it is King Otho's birthday, let 
me know what parade they made there. This morning 
we went to bathe ; I know how to swim now, though I 
dare not go beyond my depth. Coming in we had up a 
sail, with fair wind, and came home finely. There is a 



27 



very strong Inbat-sea breeze ; I hope It will bring in some 
American vessels. I study Greek now." 

The boys of the Mission were now engaged getting 
up small manuscript newspapers and circulating them. 
William edited a newspaper, of which this is a specimen 
copy: 

SMYRNA STAR. 

March, 1851. 

"On Monday, the 17th, Messrs. Lawrence, Hosmer, 
and Forsythe, who travel in company, rode out to 
Bournabat on donkeys. The Doctor had a fall ; they 
had hard work to keep from getting their legs jammed 
against the wall. On Tuesday the nth, Mr. R. and 
family, Mr. B.'s children, and the Editor, took a walk 
near the Turkish quarter of the city. A party of Turk- 
ish boys demanded money ; zve, refusing — at first they 
took up big stones, and would probably have hurt us 
had not Mr. R. given them money. We ^publish this 
to show how uncivilized the Turks are. Our native 
helper, Haji Aghasi, went inside the quarantine to see 



28 



if his bride, whom he was expecting, had come, when 
he was seized, and kept there five days. It is said he 
tore his hair and cried like a child. It is not probable 
he will go inside the quarantine lines again to look for 
his bride." 



"COMMUNICATION FOR THE SMYRNA STAR. 

'' Mr. Editor : — I thought it might please your read- 
ers to see the story of the escape of Mrs. Wagner and 
Mrs. Kossuth from Austria. After the defeat of the 
Hungarians, a reward of thirty thousand florins was 
offered to any one who would show them where Mrs. 
Kossuth was. Mrs. Wagner had been with the army, 
her son being one of Kossuth's officers, to be near him 
in case he should be wounded. After the treachery of 
Gen. G., Mrs. Wagner narrowly escaped with her life, 
and reached Gov. Kossuth with the other refugees in 
Turkey. She then formed the resolution to go into 
the heart of Hungary and try to rescue Mrs. Kossuth, 
not knowing where she was. This she did at the risk 
of her life, for a proclamation had been issued, that 
whoever kept Mrs. Kossuth in their houses twenty-four 
hours was guilty of a capital offense." 



29 



" DOMESTIC NEWS. 



'' On the 28th of last month we felt the shock of an 
earthquake here. A concert of prayer was held Mon- 
day the 3d, and the sum of 104 piasters, about five dol- 
lars, was collected. This will be sent to Aintab. We 
should be obliged to the editor of the Constantinopoli- 
tan if he would give us more news concerning the af- 
fairs going on in that city. Dr. Smith writes from 
Diarbekir, that he has very often about fifty to attend 
his meetings. It is a very promising station." 



FOREIGN NEWS. 



''An exhibition of all the great inventions of all 
nations is to be had this year in London. 

'' The Austrians have forbidden the Hungarians to 
go, or to bring anything to the exhibition. 

'* The South Carolinians have decided in favor of 
secession, and will probably separate from the United 
States before long." 



30 



^'Thessalonica, July 20, 1852. 

" My dear William : — Will you accept our thanks 
for your interesting paper, and furnish us with a copy 
at your convenience. We had an opportunity of com- 
paring the Star with the Messenger. It bears the com- 
parison well. We think the Star in the ascendant. 
This I do not add to flatter you or at all depreciate 
the excellent Messenger^ but to encourage you in your 
enterprise. On the opposite leaf of this note is an 
order for the pay — as I understand the terms — for six 

months. 

'* Yours, etc., 

'' J. W. Parsons. 

'' We like to receive your newspaper very much, and 
wish you to consider us as subscribers for at least one 
copy. And if your editions are large ones, we will take 
two, and send them to some young friends in America." 

Charles P. Dwight, son of the late Dr. H. G. O. 
Dwight, early became a true follower of Christ, and 
labored faithfully for the salvation of his young com- 
panions. He says : 

" Dear William :— It is some time since I wrote you, 



31 



but I have had my hands full. The influenza entered 
our family, and not one escaped. I have had house- 
hold matters to look] after — besides, there is a demand 
for my paper, which takes all my spare time to supply. 
I believe you asked me in your last to write principally 
upon religious subjects. I can assure you that this is no 
hardship for me, if I can by the blessing of God be ena- 
bled to do your soul good, even though it be as a grain 
of mustard-seed. You speak of your inability of your- 
self to keep good resolutions. But are you left to your- 
self? Is there no way, nothing to help you ? Cannot 
you trust God's promises to answer prayer? Oh, that 
the arrows of conviction might sink deep into your 
heart, until you can feel the joy of believing in Jesus." 
*' Are you still in the same state of mind as you have 
been for some time? Remember you cannot always re- 
main in this state. The Holy Spirit will not always 
parley with you. You know it is now an important 
time with you. Warm weather is coming on, when all 
sorts of distractions will strive hard with you — excur- 
sions, travelers, etc. The warm months are always 
very tempting, I have found, and you will find that 
your heart will be much farther from religion than 
in winter." *' January 19, 1852 — I am glad to hear your 
paper has begun again ; I like that plan you told me of, 
very much, of editing extra papers, and I have given 
notice that such will be issued. Our Frontis-piece was 



32 



drawn by an expert artist, with whom I presume you 
are not unacquainted — Rev. H. J. Van Lennep. Henry 
Goodell says, he is Fronty's agent ; and if you think it 
well, and are not incommoded by it, will you please be 
my agent ? But in these things, William, we must not 
be too much taken up ; there is one greater and more 
important theme, we should have all the time in our 
minds — the salvation of our souls, and the glory of 
God. If you do truly love the Saviour — what joy, 
what love and peace, must fill your mind. How pleas- 
ant to think of the time when we shall see him as he is, 
and be enabled to adore and glorify him without the 
clogs of the flesh. May the Lord make you one of his 
chosen disciples, one of his great instruments in spread- 
ing the blessed gospel. 

"Charles P. DwiGHT." 

'' From the Island of Scio, June 9, 1851. 

'' Dear Willy : — From the top of our house we see 
all the sea, the town, and a great deal of the country. 
Oh ! you could think of nothing more beautiful than 
Scio. The waves roll upon the beach as they did at 
Trebizond. Rover, without anything being thrown, goes 
into the sea, and dives and gets out stones. Do come 
to Scio — do you hear — William ? Last Saturday, papa, 
mamma, F., and M. went to a neighboring monastery to 



33 



examine it. They saw blood on the walls which could 
not be washed off, also human bones, and a monk, who 
is a hundred and eighteen years old. In that monas- 
tery several thousand people were burned by the Turks. 
Next week I shall see you — nothing happening. Hope 
Mr. Pengelly has not slipt us like all the other com- 
pany. Have you yet seen Alfred Barker and Theodore 
Walters? Should you see them before I come, please 
give them my love. Excuse this scrawl, as I have no 
table in my room. I have to write on my knee. I am 
sorry to leave the Island, but shall be very glad to see 
you. 

''S. G. W. B." 



In May, 1851, his brother, Frontis, left for America. 
This placed him as head man in the family — when his 
father was absent. He made himself very useful, not 
only in the family, but was often called upon to assist 
friends or travelers in any little shopping or business 
they wished to do in the city. His lessons, letter-writ- 
ing, editorship, home work, out-door exercise, etc., 
kept him very busy. 

a 



34 



'* BOURNABAT, July 5, 1852. 

'' Saturday the 26th, at about four o'clock in the morn- 
ing, some of the boys of the English school went to bathe 
in the sea with their French teacher — Mr. J. Decours. 
Mr. Decours was drowned. He probably had a fainting 
fit, for he fell down under the water, but rose again and 
called for help to one of the boys, who brought him a 
life-preserver, but which the teacher was unable to hold. 
The last words he uttered were, ma mere — my m.other. 
He was very much attached to his scholars, and beloved 
by all who knew him. He was from Switzerland, and 
was between twenty-two and twenty-three years of 
age. He has a widowed mother, of whom he was the 
support, and the news of his death will be a great shock 
to her. He was buried Sunday morning at Smyrna, in 
the Dutch burying-ground. It was a very solemn funeral. 
The whole school was there, and a great many young 
people also. We hope that the sudden death of their 
(teacher will be the means of doing good to his scholars." 

^' We have a very efficient pasha here now. The 
banditti that infested the suburbs of the city are 
not half so daring as they used to be. Lately, four 
were beheaded and twenty-eight taken prisoners, and, 
in token of the pasha's joy, a salute was fired from the 
city battery." " The locusts have been very numerous 
this summer, notwithstanding the quantity of okes* 

* A Turkish weight.; nearly three pounds. 



35 



which have been caught and buried. Two or three 
days there were perfect clouds of them ; you could hear 
the buzzing of their wings very distinctly. A great 
many have fallen into the sea, and such numbers have 
drifted ashore in the city, that it is feared some dis- 
ease will arise." 



The last summer William spent at Smyrna he wit- 
nessed the great excitement occasioned by the seizure 
of Martin Kosta, the Hungarian exile, by the Captain 
of the Austrian brig of war Hussar. The United 
States sloop of war St. Louis, Captain Ingraham, 
had just arrived in the harbor of Smyrna. Kosta was 
in chains on board the Hussar. Captain Ingraham 
demanded his release, but the Austrian commander re- 
fused to give him up. The two ships then prepared for 
battle. The people of the city rushed to the shore to 
witness the fight. William too was there, waving his lit- 
tle American flag. He wrote a full account of the scene 
in his senior year at college, the sequel of which is in 
these words : 



36 



" The Captain of the Hussar thought, at first, 
he would fight, but he could see the Americans were 
preparing to give him red-hot shell, and his heart 
fainted within him. He sent to Captain Ingraham a 
sulky message, telling him to come and get Kosta. 
Captain Ingraham replied that, as they had taken Kos- 
ta from the shore, they should take him back. The 
Austrians may have thought this was adding insult to 
injury; nevertheless, they still continued to think that 
discretion was the better part of valor. At a little be- 
fore four o'clock, P. M., July 2, 1853, Kosta, loosed from 
his chains, was let down from the Hussar into a boat, 
and rowed by six Austrian sailors to the landing-place 
of the French Consul. Immediately two American 
boats swept from the St. Louis, and flanked the boat 
on either side. The band on board the St. Louis 
struck up " Hail Columbia." Soon the three boats 
reached the shore, where thousands on thousands were 
gathered to welcome the rescued captive. As the Amer- 
ican officers handed Kosta from the boat to the shore, 
cheer after cheer went up from that great throng, such as 
never before had fallen upon the city of Homer's birth ; 
and some voices were English, and some French ; some 
were Italian, and some Hungarian ; some were Greek, 
and some American ; but they all joined in sounding 
the praises of America." 



37 



Rumors of the approaching Crimean war were now 
spreading through the East. 



FROM MRS. AZARIAH SMITH. 

*'Orta Kney, Julys, 1853. 

'' When I was coming through the Dardanelles I 
passed the English and Turkish fleets just below the 
mouth. After I arrived here I saw the Messenger, a 
steamer which runs between the fleet and the palace of 
the English Ambassador. Mr. Dwight told me it had 
been up to the palace with dispatches, to inform the 
Ambassador that the Russians had really entered the 
Turkish provinces with their army, and to know if the 
fleet should proceed to the Black Sea. It may be some 
time before war will commence, even if they do not 
conclude to make peace without it ; so you need not 
make your home on the man-of-war at present. The 
men who went to Smyrna with dispatches from Mr. 
Brown to Captain Ingraham came back on the same 
steamer on which I came up. The Americans here are 
exulting at the success of the demand made on the 
Austrians by the Americans. I hope, dear William, 
that while your mind is so much filled with thoughts 



38 



about war between men you will not forget to fight 
with the foe which is found in your heart." 



In the early part of 1853, his friend and correspond- 
ent, Charles P. Dwight, was suddenly called away by 
death ; this was a severe blow to William, and to all his 
companions. One of them writes from Constantinople : 

" O William ! You don't know how much we are 
afflicted by Charles's death — it was so sudden — we 
buried him a week ago. Yesterday was his birth-day, 
and he and I were both anticipating our birth-days with 
pleasure. I hope we shall all take this to heart." 

" I am gloriously out of sorts," says a correspondent, 
** with the rascally Austrians, and very sorry another 
opportunity has passed without chastising them. We 
and everybody expect war between Russia, France, 
England and Turkey. The Czar has ordered all the 
Russian residents at London to leave immediately on 
the breaking out of hostilities. The English and 
French fleets will come up here, when a division of each 
will go to the Black Sea. The Turks have some 40 



39 



vessels at Buyukdere. The French fleet has 10,000 
troops on board, and the English 8,000. All the Yan- 
kee Constantinopolitans are invited by Mr. Brown to 
Greek Siie — or the heavenly waters of Asia — to spend the 
4th in a becoming manner. Mr. Brown will read the 
Declaration of Independence, and an American gentle- 
man, a member of the New York House of Represent- 
atives, will deliver a speech." 

NOTE FROM HIS GRANDPA JOHNSTON. 

''Near Newcastle, Tenn., June i, 1853. 

" Altho' grandpa has never seen his grandson Wil- 
liam, yet he loves him, and often thinks about him, and 
prays for him that he may be a good boy, and give his 
heart to God and learn to do his will. Grandpa has 
become very hard of hearing ; has very little satisfac- 
tion talking, cannot hear any preaching, and is 
more than seventy years old Will William let his 
grandpa have good reason to hope that he will meet 
his grandson in heaven ? " 

In the spring of 1853 his mother and eldest sister 
sailed for the United States. William, with his father 
and the younger children, remained until the autumn of 
the same year, when they also embarked for America. 



40 



"Bebeck, June 29, 1853. 

" Dear Willie : — Many thanks for your letter. We 
had a very busy time of it during the annual meeting. 
Mr. and Mrs. Jewett were with us about a week. Our 
house is very near Mr. Schaufflcr's; as we were just at 
the window we heard them singing there. It sounded 
sweetly. We were very pleasantly surprised to-day by 
a visit from Baron Pedros." *' So you are going to Amer- 
ica, and we shall not have you for neighbors any more, 
either at Smyrna or Constantinople. Well, I do not 
wonder you are glad, for I think I should be glad if we 
were going. I hope among all your new friends, you 
will not forget your old ones. I don't know whether I 
told you about our Sabbath afternoons, which I enjoy 
very much. We have a Bible-class at three o'clock at 
Mr. Schauffler's. Then we older children have a meet- 
ing by ourselves, and at five a Bible-class in Greek. 
How glad I should be if we could see you once more 
before you leave your Eastern home. When you get 
to America, I hope you will tell how things seem to 
you there, and all about your voyage. 

*'E. R." 

*' You are going to leave us," says a friend, '* and we are 
all very sorry, but I suppose you are very happy to go 
to that good land of your fathers, of which you have 



heard so much. I trust you will have the blessing of 
the Lord in all your way, and be brought safely there. 
I hope you will ever remember and pray earnestly for 
his presence, for you know every enjoyment of this life 
is worth very little without the blessing of God. If 
you consecrate your early and best years to his service, 
perhaps he will confer on you the privilege of, by and 
by, forsaking parents, and brothers, and sisters, for his 
sake, to promote his cause in some of the dark places 
of the earth — perhaps, in the land of your birth. The 
Lord bless you, and make you his on earth and in 
Heaven." 

On having Smyrna, William bade good-by to the 
pleasant associations and scenes of his childhood. He 
had already been quite a little voyager, having crossed 
nearly the whole length of the Black Sea five times, 
and the Marmora and Archipelago once. 

VOYAGE TO AMERICA. 

** We came on board the bark Mimosa, Capt. King, 
bound for Boston, on Monday evening, September 19, 
1853. Our party consisted of Messrs. Stocking, Crane, 
and Johnston, with their families ; in all, five adults and 



42 



ten children. We beat out of the Gulf under a west- 
erly breeze in company with a French bark, which we 
beat all hollow. A breeze sprung up from the north, 
which carried us along nicely. Soon Mitylene and 
Psara were in sight. We passed the Dora Passage, and 
in the morning St. George's Island and Greece were in 
view. Sabbath, 25th. — Papa preached at ten o'clock — 
the captain attended. At eleven o'clock, a hundred 
vessels were in sight. Wednesday we had a severe 
gale. In the afternoon papa had Sunday-school with 
the children. 

" October 2. — Sunday night we cleared Cape St. 
Angelos ; in the morning, Cerigo, Candia, Cerregatta, 
and other small islands were in sight. Thursday the 
captain pointed out Malta on our starboard bow. 
H. and I were confined to our berths pretty much 
all day. Lizzie tumbled down the cabin stairs. The 
captain complained of squalls below. He evidently 
prefers squally weather to squally children. We have 
very fine clear weather. 6th. — This morning com- 
pletes two weeks of our passage, and we are not yet 
half way across the Mediterranean. Cape Bon is in sight. 
Nineteen days out ; Majorca and Minorca in sight. 
Thursday we came in sight of Sicily ; we saw a few 
fishing-boats, and one came quite near us. Wednesday 
we were not crowded at table. The little ones keep 
their center of gravity, now leaning to one, and now to 



43 



the other side. I have made Willie Stocking a little 
ship; it sails quite well in the cabin in rough weather. 
Off Cape Palos: twenty-two days out. This morning 
we put on a new foretop and maintop gallant sail, they 
having split in the gale off Majorca. Yesterday after- 
noon stood at the helm a quarter of an hour. The 
coast of Spain is very high all around as far as we can 
see." 

Before leaving Smyrna a note was put into some- 
one's keeping to be handed to him between Malta and 
Gibraltar. 

** September 14. 

*' By the time this reaches you, you will be far, far 
away on the blue Mediterranean. It will be very hard 
to think of you anywhere but in Smyrna. Are you 
much sea-sick ? Do you read much on board ? Do you 
keep a journal? I wonder whether you will see any 
whales. I dare say you are very anxious to get to 
America. Please give my love to M. and V. Good-by, 
Willie. Don't forget your frlend."i| 

*' De Gat, or Gata, in sight — so named from its re- 
semblance to a cat. However, we do not perceive it. We 
saw a good many huge black fish spouting up water." 

'' We have, at last, passed the Cape de Gat, having 



44 



been in sight of it for six days. 20th. — We hailed the 
Dutch bark Antonita, and in the evening we were also 
close up to the Race-Horse (of Boston). We are now 
under two royals tacking back and forth along the 
coast. Malaga in sight, with a light, half-filling breeze. 
Yesterday we spoke the Race-Horse — Captain Searls. 
We could talk very easily without a trumpet. We 
saw Mrs. Searls and her little girl. Captain said 
it was reported • that there was war. 24th. — Straits 
of Gibraltar, opposite Tarifa. Sabbath, Mr. Stocking 
preached, and papa had Sabbath-school with us in the 
afternoon. We reached the Rock by two o'clock, and 
lay to there, the captain not wishing to go in at night- 
time. We had a good view of the. Rock. There are 
batteries built on rocks all along the level of the water. 
It seems truly formidable. About seven A. M. we 
rounded the point, and the white houses of the pretty 
village of Algerica shone brightly in the sun. Soon we 
saw St. Roque's, and the City of Gibraltar. I picked 
out two barks which I said were American. As we 
entered, they hoisted their flags. They were the 
Ouba of Beverly, and the Eiitaiv of Boston. Soon 
after we anchored, the quarantine officers came along- 
side ; also a man who brought us some fruit. We sent 
our casks for water, and ordered provisions, which we 
got at one o'clock. The captain gave the order-man 
the windlass, and soon we were under weigh." 



45 

The ship arrived in Boston the latter part of Novem- 
ber. Though William was happy in the thought of com- 
ing to America, on reaching here — like many a mission- 
ary child — he felt a little "home-sick." Could he have 
met some of his native friends in their own familiar cos- 
tumes, or the Greek man, " Yanni," who for years had 
been one of the household, or the hamal (porter) with 
a basket of grapes on his back, or the old kappoogi 
(door-keeper) in the court — could he have stood upon 
the terrace, or mounted a donkey, or met a drove of 
camels, or even have heard the babel of language in the 
street, all this would have been so homelike. 

After visiting with friends a few weeks, he was sent 
with his brother to Bloomfield, New Jersey, to the school 
for boys, in charge of Mr. Charles Davis. Although he 
had not had the advantage of attending schools in the 
East, he did not find much difficulty in maintaining his 
stand in the different classes in which he was placed in 
this school. He was presented by his teacher with a 
copy of the " Standard Speaker," on taking the first prize 



46 

in composition. At the close of the winter session, he 
left Bloomfield for Salem, Massachusetts, where his 
parents had sought a temporary home for the family. 
Here he entered the Latin school for boys in charge of 
Oliver Carlton, Esq., preparatory to entering college. 
The two years and a half he spent in Salem were among 
the happiest of his life. He found kind friends all around. 
Besides having pleasant companions of his own age, he 
became acquainted with some young men older than 
himself, who were companionable and social, and their 
influence over his young mind was very happy, salutary, 
and Christian. The Sabbath-school he attended regu- 
larly. The study of the word of God was a part of his 
chief study. When he left the school, he received from 
his teacher, Mr. John Dike, the *' Life of Calvin," as a 
reward for committing to memory the Shorter Cate- 
chism. His leisure hours were occupied in various ways. 
He was newspaper carrier for a while. The cold, to which 
he was not used, seemed too severe for this sort of work, 
but he persevered in it for the season. In the spring 



47 

of 1855, there being a small garden attached to the 
house, he began raising vegetables. In this he suc- 
ceeded so well, that one of his friends congratulated 
himself on having had a splendid dinner on a dish of 
fresh corn from Willie Johnston's garden. He found 
also valuable friends among the ladies of Salem, who 
were interested in him, and for him, aiding and 
encouraging him in his work of preparing himself for 
usefulness. One mother in Israel, was always doing him 
good. She followed him through his college course 
with her prayers, her good advice, and many kindnesses. 
In July, 1856, he went with his brother F., who was 
then at Salem, to New Haven, Connecticut, to pass the 
required examination for entering Yale College. On 
informing Mr. Carlton of his admittance into college, he 
received the following note : 



''Salem, September i, 1856. 

** My dear William : — Your letter of the 19th ult. 
was duly received, and I was glad to hear that you sue- 



48 



ceeded so nicely in your examination. And now your 
future success in college and in life will depend on your 
own exertions. Diligence, perseverance, and correct 
deportment will certainly secure it. I do not recom- 
mend to you to engage in the strife for college honors, 
but I do earnestly urge it upon you to form and main- 
tain an unalterable resolution to be a good scholar — to 
do your best always. 

*' Yours, 

" O. Carlton." 



A friend writes : 

*' I shall be quite anxious to hear of your prosperity 
as a student, and my great desire is, that you may take 
a high stand, and your character remain to the end of 
college life untarnished by the slightest shade." 



" The last time I heard from you " (says a Salem 
friend) *' you were round among the lions. Have you 
seen any yet? You should have been here last Sunday 
to help your fellow ' basses,' and also to sustain the 
reputation of the choir. The leader being absent, we 
started off on our own hook. Nevertheless, the singing 
was very good. One of the congregation said it was 
' tip-top.* You would like to have been with us at 



49 



Pine Grove the other afternoon, at the choir's picnic. 
There were about fifty in all. We had six pieces of 
Gilmore's band. All marched in procession to supper, 
headed by the band, in military style, ' left foot first,' 
etc., etc. Some of the party rode home, while fifteen 
or twenty of us walked, and had a nice sing on the 
bridge. 

" Charley W. was glad to hear that you had joined 
the brothers in what is it ? " 



He was seventeen years old a short time before he 
entered college. He appeared boyish, and was very 
original in his manner. 

He was one of the speakers on the freshman prize 
debate. One of his classmates remarked that one 
great difficulty, while speaking, seemed to be as to 
where he should keep his arms. They went every 
which way, and Professor Silliman, Sen., one of the 
umpires, shook his sides laughing. His prompter 
could not keep the place, for in the excitement of 
delivering his speech he did not follow the manuscript, 
but launched out extemporaneously, suiting his ges- 



50 

tures to the words as they occurred at the moment. 
For this effort he received the third prize. His whole 
course through college was marked by an unflinching 
determination to accomplish what he undertook. In 
working out his mathematical problems, when he 
became tired of every other position, he would down 
upon the floor full length, on his breast, and the 
question was solved. 

The summer vacations of 1858 and 1859 ^"^^ taught 
a select school of twelve weeks each year, at North 
Windham and Mansfield, Connecticut. This rendered 
college duties very laborious, especially the latter part 
of the fall term. 

Aside from study, he took a part in almost every- 
thing going on in college ; interesting himself in class 
and college societies, writing, debating, etc., etc. It 
was often a question at home whe7i Willie got his class 
lessons. 

It was interesting on presentation day to see the 



51 

boys of '60, one hundred and eight in number, bid- 
ding each other good-by. They thought they had 
stout hearts, and the tear would not start, but with 
many of them it did. And when in procession they 
proceeded to the houses of the president and professors 
to give the farewell cheer, friends were listening, were 
looking on and querying : What will be the future 
career of these young men ? Who of them will live 
to good purpose and honor old Yale? Who of them 
will live to no good purpose, a dishonor to their 
class and Alma Mater? And who of them will soon 
be called to die? Before their triennial meeting, four 
of them were laid in the grave. 

At the junior exhibition of his class he walked to 
the stand arm in arm with one who, like himself, Avas 
born in Turkey. They were near the same age, 
James - being about three months older than William. 
Their associations in childhood were similar. They 

* Rev. James H. Schneider, Chaplain of the Second Regiment, U, S 
Colored Troops. Died at Key West, Florida, April 25, 1864. 



52 

were in the same class at college. Their love for each 
other grew stronger and stronger. Their love for 
country was one. They both died to save it. In a 
moment they are not, for God took them. Their 
immortal life, which they began so nearly together, we 
cannot doubt will be one — one of unending peace and 
joy and triumph. 

It was not until his first year in college that he 
expressed a decided hope in Christ. The winter of 
1857, many of his fellow students were inquiring after 
truth. He spoke of the interest some of his classmates 
expressed in his spiritual welfare, "and remembered 
them with gratitude. He was always a conscientious, 
serious-minded, and a Bible-reading boy. Outwardly his 
life was very much the same before as after his public 
profession of faith in Christ. Whatever his state of 
mind might have been before this, the necessity was 
now laid upon him to come out from the world and 
devote himself actively to the service of Christ. He 
joined the college church, with other students, March, 



53 

1858. Having finished his college course, he made a 
trip on foot first to Mansfield, Connecticut, thence to 
Rockville, Medway, Boston, Salem, Middleton, and 
Andover, Massachusetts, walking thirty, and nearly 
forty miles a day, visiting friends between the marches, 
the distance from New Haven being about one hundred 
and fifty miles. This was the last visit to these pleas- 
ant friends. 

On his return he called at Brookfield, Massachusetts, 
to see the family of Mrs. Benjamin, his old Smyrna 
friends, spending a day or two with them very pleas- 
antly; he also bade them a final good-by. 

After graduating, he again taught in Mansfield. On 
arriving there, he says: '' I am boarding at Mr. William 
Trumbull's. It is very quiet here. The house is only 
a few steps from the school. I opened school Monday 
with twenty-seven scholars, and am expecting more. 
I was not well Monday and Tuesday. The mornings 
and evenings are cool, and the noons are very hot." 

In his pupils he interested himself, not only as a teach- 



54 

er, but as a friend and companion, while in school hours 
good discipline was enforced. At recess, he was often 
with them upon the play-ground, doin^^ his best to out- 
strip them in the race. He introduced debating, and 
other societies, which furthered their improvement in 
both writing and speaking, and on leaving, he still 
kept up his interest in his friends, corresponding with 
quite a number of them. The following extracts were 
addressed to one of his pupils, a young boy toward 
whom he cherished a warm attachment : 



" In the first place, Fred,* how are you ? It is now 
ten days since I left ; I have been getting this bundle 
up at odd moments, and it has taken more length of 
time than I thought it would. I have enjoyed gather- 
ing together these books and pictures for my scholars 
very much indeed. Some may call it a weakness, but I 
like to take up the little mementoes of the scholars I 
have, and to think over our studies, and our plays, our 
meetings, our rides, and all. The picture I send you is 
a first-rate view of Yale College buildings. There are 
three buidings with spires or towers, as you see. The 

* Frederic Barrows, of Mansfield, Connecticut. Now deceased. 



55 



middle one is where I recite, and make daily exhibi- 
tions of my ignorance, affording considerable amuse- 
ment to my classmates. I console myself with the 
thought that they couldn't calculate latitude through a 
waterduct. I don't know as this picture will interest 
you especially— take it, however, as an expression of 
my wish to thank you for your good recitations, espe- 
cially in Algebra, and for your last composition, which 
pleased me very much. I hear from ' William the Critic,' 
and others, that you voted to hang Brown. We did the 
same in the ' Brothers,' by a majority of one. The 
President, however, decided in favor of not hangino-. 
Did that Coventry team come over to discuss the ques- 
tion on Napoleon, the night after I left ? How does the 
new debating society flourish? Doesn't it bring out 
the older ones much more than before ? Did you take 
any part in * Gamma Nu ' after I left? Don't you 
study history now? " 



FROM THE LATE REV. AUGUSTUS WALKER, OF 
DIARBEKIR. 

"Kharput, September 26, i860. 

** Now that you have graduated, I hope you ask 
counsel of the Lord as to your future course, and will 
be glad to do whatever he shall wish. This is the wise, 
and this the safe, and this the happy course. Loving 



56 



the Lord Jesus, you will delight to keep close to him, 
so will you be greatly blessed, and what is even better, 
in a world of probation — a great blessing. I was very 
glad, dear William, to see your name in the papers as 
a prize orator in the ' Brothers,' my own society, in my 
own loved Alma Mater. You have seen Dr. Pratt, and 
will soon see Mr. Marsh, and they will tell you all about 
us. Mr. Dunmore was with us in Diarbekir only a few 
months. Dr. and Mrs. Nutting now expect to return 
to Diarbekir from Bitlis this fall. We came this spring 
to Kharput to attend the annual meeting of the North 
Armenian Mission." *' I could not help writing, to thank 
you for your good letter, and to tell you how much we 
love you." 

William had now determined on making the preach- 
ing of the Gospel of Christ the work of his life ; and soon 
after the closing of his school at Mansfield, in Novem- 
ber, i860, he went to Kentucky, and entered the Theo- 
logical Seminary at Danville, in that State. On his 
way South, he visited his grandfather Howe, at Gran- 
ville, Ohio, who was eighty-nine years of age, and whom 
he had not yet seen. On reaching Danville, he writes 
to New Haven : 



57 



"Jan. 3, 1861 



" Dear Mother :— It seemed to me a long time 
getting a letter from home; I suppose it is a sign 
that I love you all. Christmas, I walked out to Paint 
Lick, a distance of twenty-two miles. I had a splendid 
time, riding, walking, singing, etc. Danville is quite a 
pretty place of about five thousand inhabitants, and has 
besides the seminary, a college, two large girls' board- 
ing schools, and many minor institutions of learning. 
I have enjoyed very fine health, and am very glad I 
came here when I did. I am glad I visited Granville, 
Ohio ; it was a great treat to talk with grandpa. I 
will give your exhortation, 'don't smoke,' a calm, un- 
impassioned, respectful, dignified, and profound con- 
sideration." 

To his eldest sister, he says: 

" I wish you a merry Christmas this morning. I have 
been getting along nicely since I last wrote. I am 
rooming and boarding at Dr. Green's. I have a sopho- 
more for a room-mate, and am pitching into Hebrew 
like a good fellow. About seven o'clock every morn- 
ing a coal-black maiden of fifteen summers rings the 
bell for us to get up ; Frank, another piece of shining 
ebony, makes the fire in our stove. About half-past 
seven we have breakfast, and right after, prayers, at 



58 

which some of the servants always attend. I go down 
to the seminary at half-past eight, and stay right 
through till twelve o'clock. I generally read and write 
in the afternoon, and study in the evening. We have 
four professors and forty students. One of the students 
was a class-mate of brother F. He is from South 
Carolina, but is a strong Unionist." 

To a younger sister : 

*' This is your birthday ; I cannot send you a present, 
as you are so far away, but I will write to let you know 
that my heart is full of fraternal affection and brotherly 
love. Be a good girl ; continue to improve in every- 
thing, and remember that as your years come quickly 
on, your last will soon be here. Think of good things, 
find out what it is to repent and believe, and then, V., 
do it with God's help." 



His letters from this time are largely taken up with 
the threatening condition of the country. They reveal 
at once the intense interest he felt for its welfare, and 
the working of his own mind, as to what was his duty 
in the crisis. 



59 

From his grandfather : 

December, i860. 

''The famine is very sore in Kansas, and there is 
much suffering. This county has sent them reUef Is 
anything done for these poor sufferers in your State? " 
" What shall be done in this distressing Secession move- 
ment ? Is Kentucky doing anything to encourage it? 
We hope not ; we love that heroic, noble people too 
well to spare them from our beloved Union. Is not 
the whole of it a sad, unjustifiable movement? Let us 
all do our duty the best we can, and if possible save our 
guilty nation from disgrace and ruin. How are you 
pleased with your situation — your studies, the society, 
and everything that relates to your happiness. It is no 
trifling matter to be confined to the study of books for 
many years, but I hope you will come out in the end 
as bright as the morning." 

Reply to his grandpa : 

•* I received your kind letter three weeks ago. I am 
sorry the accounts from Kansas are so distressing. The 
two Presbyterian churches in this place sent a little 
over a hundred dollars in cash, besides four boxes of 
clothing, to Kansas. I thought this was doing pretty 
well for these hard times. I take the Cincinnati Cojn- 



6o 



mercial ; I don't like its anti-coercion talk, though I 
hope for an amicable adjustment in the Union. I heard 
from father this morning ; he is well, and thinks Missis- 
sippi will come back. I am well, and well contented 
with everybody but the Seceders. I talk so much 
against them, I am called an Abolitionist. I received 
the * Principia.' Can you send more?" 



About this time he heard of the death of his well- 
beloved pupil and correspondent, Frederic Barrows, 
whom we have mentioned. He died very suddenly on 
the 9th December, i860, at Suffield, Mass., whither he 
had gone to pursue his studies. His teacher's sorrow 
on hearing of his death, is expressed in the following 
letter to the mother of the deceased : 

"Danville, Ky., January i, 1861. 

" My dear Mrs. Barrows : — It is the first morn- 
ing of the new year, and the sun is shining as kindly 
and with as much promise as ever it shone on the many 
bright days of the old year, which, with all its pleasure 
and all its sadness, has now gone forever. Two weeks 



6i 



ago, to-day, I heard, at once, of the sickness, the death, 
and the burial of your son, Frederic. Can you excuse 
the Hberty I take of writing to you on this solemn oc- 
casion? — a liberty, which would at any time be great, 
but especially so now, when an intrusive letter may 
cause those wounds to bleed again, which time is gently 
healing. 

" After I arrived here I made out a list of persons to 
whom I intended writing when I found time. It com- 
menced thus: Dwight, Fred, Arthur, etc. I have writ- 
ten to Dwight but I cannot write to Fred; yet I feel as 
if I could not pass his name by, and knowing that it 
will do me good, I trust that you will accept in kind- 
ness this expression of his teacher's feelings. I write 
not to console, or to soothe ; for were I able, that sa- 
cred duty belongs to others nearer you. I write simply 
to tell you I too loved Fred. Since I heard of his death 
almost every incident of my pleasant acquaintance with 
him has passed and repassed in my mind. You know 
that beside my connection with Frederic as his teacher, 
I was with him very much as a companion ; I was more 
intimate with him in both these relations than with 
most of my scholars. I cannot but mourn for myself 
that I can no more enjoy my friendly intercourse with 
him ; the hopes I loved to cherish of once more meet- 
ing in old Mansfield, our dear school circle unbroken 
still. Yet I shall always be glad that I knew Fred. I 



62 



shall always think of him with mournful pleasure. As 
a scholar, I admired him. He loved his lessons, and 
was diligent in them. He was able to master any 
study, and in one branch was extremely promising. In 
his deportment, although when with me under circum- 
stances which were a temptation to his natural playful- 
ness, he was all that I could ask. Out of school I often 
noticed in our talks his inquiring mind, and his anxiety 
to learn everything that was practically useful. As a 
friend he was always agreeable, kind and obliging; many 
were the acts of kindness he performed for me. I never 
had a direct conversation with Fred on the subject of 
religion; I wish very much that I had; it would have 
been so pleasant to think of. But Fred was a good, 
conscientious boy. I always found that the strongest 
motive that I could bring to bear on him was an appeal 
to the right. They tell me, Mrs. Barrows, that Fred is 
dead ; I cannot realize it. I take out his picture and 
gaze at it ; there are the same features which I have so 
often seen, but always, whether in puzzling study, in 
earnest thought, in hard work or sportive play, lighted 
up with life and animation. How vivid yet are the closing 
scenes of school ! My last visit at your house — the ex- 
amination — the composition — my ride with him to 
Willimantic — our conversations about Sufifield ! It was 
he whose hand I shook last of all my scholars ; to him 
I bid the last good-by ; a cheerful good-by — for our 



63 

hearts were full of hopes ; but alas ! those hopes were 
human. I think of all these things and look at his pic- 
ture, and think and look again, but I cannot, I cannot 
make him dead ! Yet, I suppose it is a reality ; a soul, 
a spirit that lived among us, with whom we laughed and 
talked and prayed—has gone." '' Frederic's death has 
come nearer to me than any other. God in mercy has 
not taken away from me either father or mother, or 
brother or sister. I never yet have stood beside a 
death-bed. But now death has broken a circle of 
scholars whom I loved, and of whom I was proud. 
One has been taken away who, like me, was full of 
ardent hope ; one who differed from me only in this, 
that apparently I was a few years nearer to my grave 
than he to his. But he has gone first ; how soon am I 
to follow ? I am very glad I can believe that in all our 
intercourse with him there never passed between us an 
act, or a word, or a thought, I trust, prompted by anger 
or impatience. I am glad there is so much that I can 
think of with subdued yet unalloyed pleasure ; yet, 
there are things for which, could I see him now, I would 
ask his forgiveness. I confess them to you. Had I 
known last fall that in one short month Fred was to die, 
how differently I would have acted— how much kinder 
my kindness would have been ! How much more faith- 
ful I would have been as a Christian brother! He is 
now beyond the reach, and beyond the need of earthly 



64 



counsel ; and though he sung not on earth with us, is 
now singing songs of praise and glory such as only 
angel lips can sing. God grant that the solemn lesson 
may not pass by unlearned by us who are left. Tell 
each one of Frederic's schoolmates for me, so to live, 
and so to act towards every other, as if the next short 
month would see that companion in the grave. I hope 
and pray that this warning, coming as it does at the 
commencement of my studies for the ministry, may be 
blessed to my good. I need strength, wisdom, and 
grace from on high. May I not ask you, now that 
another cord connects you with heaven, now that you 
are drawn still nearer to the throne of grace, to remember 
me sometimes in your fervent prayers ? It gives me a 
deep and sacred pleasure to add to those of all who 
knew him, my tribute of affection to the memory of 
your son ; and that, though I am far away, still I can- 
not forget him, but must mourn in your mourning and 
grieve in your grief." 



His brother F.,* now pastor of the Presbyterian 
church, Lexington, North Carolina, writes: 

''January 22, i86i. — I have read within a few days 
past Dr. Breckinridge's sermon on the ' Crisis.' I agree 

* This brother was chaplain for a season to a regiment in the Southern 
army before Richmond. 



65 

Tvith him on the subject of secession, and I think his 
argument indisputable. The old North State moves 
slowly. The secessionists are doing their best to stir 
her up, but it's no go yet. If, however, the black re- 
publicans don't come to reasonable terms she will let 
her voice be heard some way-I can't say what. At 
all events the State will follow in the wake of Virginia 
and she can't well do anything else, her interest and' 
destiny being linked to the Old Dominion. A majority 
of our people have no idea being coerced into measures 
by South Carolina, any more than by the general gov- 
ernment The feeling in some quarters is quite bftter 
toward South Carolina. It would not be long before 
she would be again kicking out of her harness 
and carrying her sovereign head higher still The 
Secession feeling, though, is gaining strength, and if 
something is not done toward eiTective conciliation by 
the party in power before the fourth of March, even 
North Carolina will probably set up for herself. Yes 
and you'll see Kentucky cutting loose also. For my- 
self I am anxious to see the slavery question forever 
settled now, but I want it done in the proper way We 
are in a bog, floundering helplessly; we are a sinful 
nation, and deserve to be chastised sorely. As thin-s 
stand now, if we are spared a civil war it will be a mfr- 
acle of mercy." 



66 



TO WILLIAM TRUMBULL, Esq., OF MANSFIELD, CONN. 

" My journey hither was a very pleasant one, I spent 
Thanksgiving week as I intended, with my relations in 
Granville, Ohio. I had never seen many relatives be- 
fore, and it is quite a treat to get among so many cousins 
at once. I was rubbed pretty hard for my political sen- 
timents, by the older folks ; and you will not wonder at 
it, when I tell you that their Abolitionism is of such an 
extra fine extract, that they think the Neza York Tribune 
is rather pro-slavery, and the Independent very conser- 
vative." '' As all arrangements had been made I en- 
tered the seminary and went to studying at once, of 
which there was great need, as I was considerably be- 
hindhand, especially in Hebrew. I have now caught 
up with the class, and I like translating the old testa- 
ment Hebrew better than any other study. I am be- 
ginning to be very much interested in my theological 
studies, and I begin to feel, too, what a responsibility 
will rest on me, and is resting on me now while engaged 
in studying God's word. I often think how I would 
like to talk over many points which come up in the 
course of my studies with you. I have often asked you 
to pray for me^ but lately — since Fred's death — I have 
felt the need of the efficacy of the prayers of earnest 
Christian friends more than ever." '' Public opinion, 
in Danville and vicinity, is strongly opposed to seces- 
sion. But Danville, I think, is ahead of the State in 



67 



this patriotic feeling. I agree with you, probably, in 
supposing that the whole secession movement is a wild, 
reckless, destructive proceeding. I do not myself think 
the slave States ought to ask for any guaranties, or 
make any fuss about the Republicans coming into 
power. But we have now to deal with facts. A major- 
ity of the people of several of the slave States, wrongly, 
but sincerely think that in staying in a nation con- 
trolled by a party which says to the slave States, ' we will 
not suffer you to have advantages which we have — of 
impressing our form of social government in new States ; 
we will cripple you by every means in our power* — they 
are submitting to their own degradation, and are invit- 
ing future aggression. They therefore leave, and are 
preparing for war. The people of the other slave States, 
though otherwise extremely anxious to abide in the 
Union, think that if this party really means to carry out 
its declarations to the letter, then, it would be dishonor- 
able for them to remain in the Union, even if a long 
bloody war follows. Believing this to be the case, I see 
but two alternatives, unless some compromise is effected, 
— war, or a peaceful recognition of the independence of 
the Southern States. The latter, I would consider a 
more humiliating sacrifice of the fundamental principle 
of our government, and more dangerous to our safety 
than any the Republicans are now asked to make. War 
I do not consider the worst evil that can befall us ; yet 



68 



under present circumstances, who can contemplate it 
without horror? I believe the spirit of compromise is 
as important as any ; without it our government could 
never have been formed or preserved till now. The 
spirit of concession is a Christian and a blessed princi- 
ple." "The Cotton States have adopted a bullying 
tone, but the other States have not. They ask it kindly. 
I will tell you my ideas of the practical workings of 
slavery, as I see it, some other time. Read Thorn- 
well's article in the New York Observer^ February 14th, 
if you want to get at what they think in Cottondom." 

He says to a friend : 

" I don't like to hear you speak of the * Haughty 
Southerners,' or of not yielding an inch. The mass of 
the South are honest in feeling that they have been 
wronged. If you knew just how the South feels, I am 
sure you would yield many an inch for the sake of 
peace. Besides, the point is vital to the South, but not 
to the North." " War — war — war is the cry, and every 
throb of the telegraphic wire is bringing us terrible 
news from many parts of our beloved land. The 
only danger at present in Kentucky is from mob 
fight. For instance there is in Danville an association 
of over 200 working men who are pledged to support 
the Union. They raised the stars and stripes here, and 



69 



have sworn that it shall never be taken down by seces- 
sionists, even if Kentucky secedes. In the college there 
are many young men from the extreme South, and the 
feeling of the whole college, especially since Lincoln's 
proclamation, has been ^;z//-Northern. We came very 
near having a raid last night between these two classes, 
but I hope no blood will be shed. I must say that the 
news of the last few days has excited me almost beyond 
endurance. I can't bear to hear the students exulting 
over the downfall of Sumter, and the insults to our 
country's flag. I tell you, it would not take much to 
make me enlist as a soldier, although my position and 
circumstances almost forbid my thinking of it seriously, 
yet if by my going I could raise a regiment of Ken- 
tuckians, who otherwise would not go, I would not hesi- 
tate a moment." 

'*It is wholly impossible for me to get a letter 
South. Have not heard a word from father or F. I 
am studying pretty hard. This with teaching for 
my board confines me pretty closely. The weather 
is beautiful. No fire, window open, very pleasant. 
There are about fifty sick soldiers here ; many regiments 
have passed through. In the family where I am board- 
ing there are about ten colored brethren and sisters ; 
when the troops go by, they go out and shout for 
* Linkum.' " ** While all nature is so joyful and peace- 
ful, how dreadful and violent are the emotions and com- 



70 



motions of our countrymen. The storm is furious, and 
as yet it has only begun to rage ; yet I see hope, and in all 
my mourning will not despond. Pray for our country." 

" May 4th. To-day is election-day. It is virtually 
a vote on Secession or no Secession. A few days ago, 
the secessionsts withdrew their ticket from the field, on 
the plea that since Virginia has seceded, no such con- 
vention would be held ; but undoubtedly their real 
reason was, because they knew they would be whipped, 
and the hope that as there is no competition, the vote 
will be small, and then they will claim that all who 
didn't vote are Secessionists. But the Union men are 
on their guard, and cannot be oiit-witted or overawed^ 
as they have been in every seceded State so far ; espe- 
cially in poor old Virginia. The Union men are all op- 
posed to Secession utterly and forever, but I am sorry 
to say that some of them are not as hearty or loyal in 
their support of the general government, as they ought 
to be, and are now talking of an armed neutrality, 
which means — that they will not fight on either side, 
and prevent, as far as they can, troops of either side 
coming on their soil. This policy, I think, is more one 
of the politicians than of the people ; and I earnest- 
ly hope it will not prevail. The only excuse for it is, 
that it is extremely hard for Kentuckians to take up 
arms against their Southern brethren, although their 



71 



judgment pronounces against them. The State offi- 
cials are bad men ; some of the politicians are not as 
sound as they ought to be, and both together have put 
old Kentucky in a false, unloyal position. But a major- 
ity of the people are sound to the core. Already 
two thousand Kentucky volunteers are organized into 
regiments, and soon the full number of troops will be 
made up for which Lincoln called, despite the refusal 
of the Governor." 

** This dreadful war news has knocked my calculations 
for the vacation sky-high. Got a letter from F. ; he has 
been, as all of North Carolina, driven into Secession ! 
Egyptian darkness reigns in Mississippi. I wrote to pa, 
urging him to come north ; I am afraid we shall not see 
him." 

His father, at the time the war commenced, was 
agent of the American Bible Society for Northern Mis- 
sissippi. He resigned his agency, but remained in that 
State, supporting the disunion movement. William 
could not understand why his father should take this 
course — and writes: *' I cannot believe, pa, that you 
believe either in the right or expediency of Seces- 
sion. Have I not heard you commend Jackson's course 



72 

in 1832 and 1833 ? Did you not tell us that you con- 
sidered Calhoun's death in 1850 a providential inter- 
ference to preserve the Union? Why do you now wish 
for the downfall of that beautiful flag, under the protec- 
tion of which we have so long dwelt in safety in foreign 
lands, and looked up to with such pride".? 

To his brother H. : 

" Governor McGoffin, and through him the State 
Militia, of which he has control, are thoroughly, 
though not openly, Secessionists. The Legislature is 
about half-and-half. It is possible that by foul means 
the State may yet be declared out of the Union. In 
view of this, the Union men are organized all over the 
State, and getting arms, which is a difficult thing just 
now. The Paint Lick * Catamounts,' to which I be- 
long, are going to get arms from the United States Gov- 
ernment. If there is war in Kentucky we will be liable 
to be called out. I do not think moderation and 
attempts to compromise have done any harm ; on the 
contrary, they now justify and strengthen the cause of 
the Union, wonderfully, when finally the war is forced 
upon us ; now I say, make it the biggest, most deter- 
mined war possible, and don't rest till the laws are en- 



73 



forced everywhere. In this County-guard, there are 
one Secessionist, twenty-five wavering Union men, 
and one thousand two hundred and ninety-eight Union 
to the last. Love to the Doctor, Joe Daniels, and all 
classmates. Has Jim Schneider been in New Haven?" 



Nothing except his love for the whole country could 
exceed the interest he felt in the state of affairs in Ken- 
tucky. He watched very closely every movement of 
her civil and political, as well as military leaders. He 
had no native State to love and glory in, above another 
— but for some reason he seemed to adopt old Ken- 
tucky for his State. He said long ago, when he had 
finished his education, he was going to Kentucky to 
help free the slaves, and this was the very last work he 
did. But, at that time, how very far from his thoughts 
was the way in which this work was to be done ! He 
fought to save his country — not necessarily to free the 
slaves. In twenty-eight days after his death, the slave 
was free. He was born in a land of oppression — where 
young boys were forced into the army, and fought and 



74 

died to uphold oppressive governments. The noble 
principle of love for country and liberty could not in- 
fluence them, for they had no country to love, and were 
strangers to freedom and justice. Even now, they are 
suffering — fighting and dying, and their mothers are 
weeping, and hoping for their return ; but many — very 
many of them will never hear from them again. He 
heard Yanni tell of the cruelties inflicted upon his 
countrymen in the time of the Greek Revolution, 
when for a Greek to meet a Turk was to meet his 
death. 

*' Yesterday we had quite a turn-out for our small 
village — Paint Lick — to witness our company drill, 
and to hear political speeches. There were about 
one hundred and twenty-five men in the company, 
of whom I was one. At the close, a vote was taken 
for the Union, as it is. All stood up but five or 
six. When the vote was taken for secession, one man 
rose up, but sat down before he could be counted. All 
this eastern part of the State is as strong as this meet- 
ing was. Yet the Governor, with a small but powerful 
clique, is bent on having Kentucky secede, in which 



75 

case there will be civil war in the State, and I shall 
fight for the stars and stripes, which our company is 
pledged to do." 

''June I. — Kentucky's position is rather critical, 
though not so much so as it has been. If the Governor 
had been able, by hook or crook, to get the least pretext 
on which to act, he was prepared to declare the State out 
of the Union, post his armed men in every town of the 
State, call in troops from the southern States, and bind 
the defenseless Union men hand and foot, and if any 
dared to resist, to convict them of treason to the State, 
and hang or drive them out, just as is the case to-day 
in Tennessee. Thanks to our Legislature, the Gov- 
ernor has been disconcerted for the present, but it has 
been a close shave, for the change of a few votes would 
have effected the ruinous schemes of the disunionists. 
The people have been terribly alarmed. There could 
be no united action among them, as any proceeding 
that was not strictly legal would be made a pretext by 
the Governor ; but now we are receiving arms gratis. 
I have got a good United States musket, with bayonet 
and ammunition. I think this decisive movement 
will be the death of secession in the State, and with 
sixty thousand troops along the Ohio, I guess the 
seceders won't touch us. So you needn't fear for me, 
* specially.' " 



1(> 



*' Since I came to Paint Lick 1 have not done 
much ; I read considerably, but not much theology. I 
have been cutting up a tree which blew down in uncle's 
yard. The trunk is six feet around, and pretty hard to 
split. I also do some garden work, among the flowers 
or vegetables, or in gathering or capping strawberries. 
I am at present installed as teacher of Cousin Arthur, 
and preach occasionally to the blacks. My opinion con- 
cerning them is not altered in the least by coming 
here." 

"June II, 1861. — To-day is my birthday, and I am 
twenty-two years old. I can hardly realize it, but I 
ought by this time to be a man. I must say I don't 
feel so. Here I am, romping all over the premises, 
with my cousins, and galloping all over the country, 
managing to cast off care, and I scarcely know whence 
next month's bread is to come. One's birthday is a 
good time for reflection. I feel that this year will be 
the turning point of my life — the passing from youth to 
manhood — for, by my next birthday I hope to be earn- 
estly engaged in preaching the gospel of the living 
God. God grant that I may be equal to such a duty 
and such a privilege." 

'^ July 3. 
'* My DEAR Joe: — I have preached several times in 
backwoods school-houses, to small audiences, and two 



17 



or three times to the blacks. I received a rather dubi- 
ous compliment from a regular 'Uncle Tom,' an elder 
among the blacks : ' Young Massa preach pretty well for 
de little learnin' he's got/ I have made some stump 
speeches to admiring audiences, around in the country. 
It's real fun. The Union sentiment is tremendous. 
They want all the traitors hung, and the conspiracy 
crushed without mercy. Kentucky will never secede, 
though McGofifin and his satellites may cut up a little 
like Jackson in Missouri. The neutrality talk is all hum- 
bug. It was first advanced by timorous Union politicians, 
but has since been taken up by the secessionists as their 
rallying cry. But the people are, and always will be, 
distinctly divided into Unionists and Secessionists." 

In July, of 1861, he rather unexpectedly made up his 
mind to return North and teach again one term in 
Mansfield, before the coming winter session of the sem- 
inary should commence: 



'* I am going to teach in Mansfield Center, as usual. 
I leave uncle's next Wednesday, July loth ; will visit 
John Beckley (one of his classmates), at Shelbyville. I 
expect to be in Granville, Ohio, the i6th, and leave 
there Monday, the 22d. I shall try to be at home 



78 , 

Wednesday evening, about nine o'clock, on the 24th, in 
order to be at commencement." 



He accomplished this trip throughout just as he had 
so hurriedly planned it at Paint Lick, calling at and 
leaving each place, and reaching home at the hour 
appointed. Of his visits on the way, he says : 

** I had a pleasant time at Mr. Dandy's in Lexington. 
I rode around the city, and visited Henry Clay's mon- 
ument. At Shelbyville, ' Beck ' took me around to see 
several of his lady friends. On Saturday there was a 
picnic : about fifty ladies and as many gentlemen were 
there. Union sentiment in Shelbyville is very strong. 
Monday I left for Louisville, and arrived there at half- 
past ten. At noon went on board the steamer Major 
Anderson. The ride up the Ohio was pleasant. Tues- 
day, at Cincinnati, took the cars for Granville. Grandpa 
met me with a buggy at Union Station, and soon I had 
the pleasure of meeting Aunts L. and B., Cousin M., 
and little Con. The little fellow is just the same as 
ever. I had scarcely been in the house an hour before 
he commenced striking me with a little horsewhip. I 
took hold of it and held it ; he tugged away at it, and 
finally began to cry. I said, * You can't have that, sir.' 



79 



He then changed his tactics, and putting his face up to 
mine, said, 'Thank 'oo illie kiss.' The little rogue got 
the whip immediately. Have you heard any news yet ? 
/have. Isn't it good?" 

He attended commencement, spent a few days at 
home, and then went to Mansfield. 

'' I have but fifteen scholars ; expect half a dozen 
more in about two weeks. We play as much as usual 
at recess. I miss Fred very much ; I have been to his 
grave, and can hardly realize that he is there under the 
cold, cold ground." 

His grandfather says of his recent visit there : 

" William will tell you how he raked hay with grand- 
father; and let me tell you, that I think him as good a 
scholar in the hay-field as in literary science or in 
theology." 

Aunt L. says : 

''We have had a precious visit with William. How 
I love to hear him talk ! May his life be spared and 
his usefulness be great in the earth." 



8o 



Writes his cousin : 



'* There is quite a large camp collecting on the Lex- 
ington turnpike, at Hoskins. Cousin S. Fry is there 
with a number of troops ; and Judge Bramlette has re- 
signed his judgeship and is making up a regiment of 
cavalry, and will soon be there. Before the election, 
there were two or three secession pic-nics, and they 
seemed to be making great efforts to rally their party, 
but in spite of all, the Union has gained a great victory. 
We got a staff for that flag you gave me, and planted 
it in Grapevine Grove. Everybody we meet asks, 
When did you hear from Billy Johnston ? " 

He was over-fond of what might be called immoder- 
ate exercise ; and was often admonished that a more 
prudent course would be healthier and safer. If swim- 
ming, he would disappear under water, till all with 
him were alarmed ; or swim across the Hudson River, 
as he did near the '' Palisades." At the cave where Put- 
nam killed the wolf, he pushed in, ploughing his way 
with his elbows. At Niagara Falls, he would go on 
and on, over precipices, to the great uneasiness of those 
who accompanied him. 



8i 



To one of his pupils he says : 

''As to racing with you on the ice, I should not pro- 
pose it myself, but if you got me into it, I shouldn't 
want to give in, if — I could help it. Important ' if.' 
When I was in Elizabeth, I skated considerably — that 
is, after a fashion. I spread out my capabihties to the 
utmost, but spread myself on the ice with true hero- 
ism." " I went to N. Windham last night, and ran 
back this morning, from Mr. Peck's gate to Mr. Trum- 
bull's, nearly three miles, in twenty-six minutes. I am 
practicing for the war ; if matters get much worse in 
Kentucky, I shall enlist when I get through school." 

'' Sister and myself," writes a little friend to him, "are 
very much obliged to you for the music. Pa and 
Aunt Mary went down to Camp Robinson and took 
us children with them. Yesterday ninety men passed 
here in a very hard rain, going to camp, and ninety more 
are coming to Paint Lick to-night, and are going to sleep 
in the school-house. Mr. S. went round getting the 
neighbors to send them something to eat. All sent 

very cheerfully, except your friend, Mr. ; he 

would not send a thing." 



82 

From his war correspondent in Kentucky : 

''September 17, 1861. 

"You have, no doubt, seen the recent action of our 
Legislature touching the Southern troops which have 
come into the State. I am clear in my convictions 
that J. C. Breckinridge & Co. had these troops brought 
into Kentucky to serve a purpose. The secession 
game could be carried no further, after our late State 
election, unless some pretext for civil war could be 
found. This was sought in the step the Southern 
troops have taken. ' Breck.'s ' calculation was that, if 
the Southern troops would once come into the State 
and take possession of certain strong points, the way 
would be open to raise the wind against the United 
States' authority in Kentucky; and this, by having 
Gov. Polk do as he has done, to wit : propose to with- 
draw all Southern troops from Kentucky soil, on con- 
dition all United States troops be removed ; and on 
condition United States authorities would enter into 
stipulations with Southern rebels to sacredly respect 
Kentucky's neutrality. By this trick, ' Breck.' hoped 
to get the so-called Southern Confederacy recognized 
by United States ; also to have Kentucky recognized 
as virtually independent of United States. In case 
United States should refuse to enter into such stipula- 



83 



tions, he hoped the peace party would be able to turn 
the State against United States, and make them res- 
ponsible for our having war in Kentucky ; and thus in- 
crease disaffection against the United States among our 
people. But fortunately our Legislature will not pay 
any attention to Gen. Polk's proposition, and have, 
with a very strong and determined vote, ordered our 
governor to have the Southern troops removed, with- 
out conditions and without ceremony. This will be 
done. All that remains to be seen, as yet, is whether 
the secessionists of Kentucky will have the folly to 
make common cause with Southern rebels, who have 
invaded our State. If they do, and attempt to resist 
by arms the will of Kentucky, they will bring down on 
their own heads terrible things. Ohio, Indiana, and 
Illinois are standing ready with 15,000 or 20,000 men 
each, to hurl them on the Southern rebels, just as soon 
as Kentucky gets ready to strike. We are all looking 
for Gen. Anderson to call for volunteers in Kentucky ; 
and if he does, there will be a grand rush of our boys 
to his standard." — "■ Oct. 2. Zollicoffer's force is threat- 
ening us, and if our troops fail to drive him back, we 
will all be overrun here, and many will leave. Troops 
are coming in from Ohio and Indiana, and our people 
are all astir getting ready to go to meet him. I am 
hopeful, and trust we shall be permitted to dwell at 
home in peace. The fact that the Southern rebels 



84 



have invaded our State, has caused some of our Dis- 
unionists to change their notions, and things are now 
working in favor of the Union cause. If we can gain a 
victory over Buckner or Zollicoffer, we will be in a very 
good way. We anticipate a fight soon, either at Mun- 
fordville or Bowling Green." 

In November he left Mansfield for New Haven ; this 
was his last visit home. He iooked care-worn. The 
study, teaching, and excitement of the past year had 
borne hard upon him. He was cheerful, though un- 
usually tender and thoughtful. 

"Danville, Kentucky, November 12, 1861. 

** I attended the seminary exercises to-day, so you 
may consider me fairly reinstated in my theological 
studies. The number of students is only twelve, but 
the professors are all here, and provided I can get my 
mind down to it, I ought to be able to make much 
head-way this session. During the invasion excitement, 
the Union men were so aroused, and appeared so de- 
termined, that many Secessionists have left, and the 
rest either turned Unionists or cooled down. Be- 
sides 10,000 Kentuckians in actual service, we have 



85 



i7,ooo enlisted and in camp, with a good prospect of 
raising 10,000 more, before January ; so a United States 
army officer told me Saturday. Kentucky's quota is 
25,000 ; we have therefore 2,000 more already, after only 
three months' enlisting. This is pretty well, consider- 
ing that one-third of Kentucky people were at the start 
Secessionists, and that full half that go to the war, are 
obliged to take up arms against either brother, son, or 
near relative. I think Kentucky ought to do more 
proportionately than most States, because she has more 
at stake ; but I hope you will give her credit for what 
she has done, and consider the difficulties her Union 
men have to contend with. The battle of Wild Cat 
Avas fought thirty miles from Paint Lick. The Home 
Guard, to which I belong, went to Wild Cat on Satur- 
day. Sunday night, one of our Home Guard was shot 
dead, while on picket duty. He left a young 
wife and two children. He was buried with mar- 
tial honors, in the cemetery near uncle's house ; the turf 
is still green on his grave. The excitement at that 
time was intense ; I would have given anything to have 
been there. The Secessionists were so scared after the 
defeat, that many slept all night in the woods. Uncle 
Jim, colored man, asked me yesterday : * William, 
whar's Jolly-cuffee ? ' — that's the name the niggers all 
call him. The niggers are all Union, because the rebels 
have caught all they could and driven them South. Zol- 



86 



licoffer has been driven to the Tennessee line, and the 
inhabitants are jubilant ; they are confident too that 
Sherman will whip Buckner. The detached divi- 
sions have been called in toward the central line in 
front of Buckner. General Thomas' division passed 
through here, Wednesday and Thursday, on their way to 
Columbia, so as to form the left wing of Buell's army. 
On Friday, however, they suddenly received orders to 
halt ; they are waiting, probably, to allow General Nel- 
son's column to come up. When the Seventeenth Ohio 
regiment was marching through here, I took off my hat 
to some of the soldiers ; seeing which, one of them 
said : ' Put on your hat, young man, take a musket and 
come along with us.' This remark of the Ohio soldier 
stung me, and all the rest of the day I felt unhappy. I 
have often felt that others, and among them good 
friends, have looked the same reproof into me. All the 
fall, especially since I came to Kentucky, I have been 
feeling so dissatisfied that I am not actively serving m} 
country, that, at times, it has been absolutely painful 
Four of my classmates have gone to fight for my country 
They are probably shivering with cold to-night, and 
perhaps suffering with painful disease, and I am in the 
midst of comfort and comparative luxury." — ''We have 
been discussing ' immortality,' in the seminary. Oh, that 
I could get full of the idea ! I believe if we thought 
more of death, we should increase our enjoyment in 



87 

everything." — "I am glad to see you so fully arpused 
for your country, and I subscribe heartily to what you 
say. ' Three cheers for the red, white, and blue.' Of 
course, I exult in the thought of being uncle. Tell 
auntie to put on her dignity." 

From the fall of Sumter till he joined the army, he 
did not rest. The struggle was great. There were 
strong reasons why he should not go to war; still, a 
voice within said, Go. The passing regiment ; the pa- 
triotism of classmates already in the field ; the look of 
a friend, and the call of the Ohio soldier — all spoke re- 
proof — ^as he said — " stung me." We think our young 
men brave, and willingly go forth to die, and so it is ; 
but their very nearest friends know not the magnitude 
of the struggle which bears them on, slowly perhaps, 

but surely, to war and to death. 

" February i, 1862. 

*' We have all been rejoicing over the defeat and rout 
of the rebels at Somerset. I have seen many of the 
horses and wagons captured from the enemy. Zollicof- 
fer's body passed through here, but it was not allowed 
to be seen. I have often seen Colonel Fry, who shot 



88 



him. He is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church 
in Danville." 

To a classmate : 

*' I suppose you have been indirectly informed of my 
arrival in Danville, and of my continuing in the semi- 
nary instead of encamping on the battle-field, where 
you might have expected to find me, if you remember 
my valiant talk, when I saw you last. I told the folks 
at home I would enlist, if our troops were seriously re- 
pulsed, either at BowHng Green or anywhere in Ken- 
tucky. This not having occurred, I have not thought 
myself called to go. But I have, at times, when I 
have seen regiment after regiment pass through under 
the stars and stripes, felt mean and ill at ease that I 
was staying at home in inglorious safety. I have, not- 
withstanding the exciting scenes so near us, been ena- 
bled to do considerable studying this year; more, de- 
cidedly, than I did last year. I expect to be licensed 
to preach next May. 

'' I have to prepare for examination in April, besides 
the regular studies, a Latin essay on justification, a 
critical exercise on John i. 1-14, a lecture on Psalms 
xxiii, and a sermon to be preached on Acts ii. 28. 

** We have all rejoiced exceedingly at the defeat of 
ZoUicoffer. While we did not fear him much, we knew 
he threatened the Blue-grass region, of which we are 



89 



the center. Generals Thomas and Choefif are in town, 
to-day. Everything indicates a speedy advance in 
large and concentrated columns into Western Ten- 
nessee." 

In speaking of sick soldiers around him, he says: 

*' A poor Kentucky soldier was left sick at our 
house, a month ago. He lived three weeks, and re- 
quired constant watching. I sat up ten nights in suc- 
cession, three or four hours a night, till I thought I 
was going to be sick myself; after that, every other night 
till he died. I could write a good deal of him and other 
soldiers, but will defer it till we can talk. Some of our 
Tennessee cousins are taken prisoners. 

" Not a word from father, or F., or Uncle William, 
in Tennessee. People here are all for McClellan. 
They laugh at Fremont." 

"April 29, 1862. — Presbytery met Thursday, at 
Lancaster, and I was examined on Friday, and my ex- 
amination was sustained, as they say. In the evening, 
I preached my first regular sermon before Presby- 
tery and an audience of the town's people, after which 
the Presbytery licensed me to preach the Gospel as 
a * probationer ' for the ministry. 

" They were not hard on me in the examination, but 
I shrunk from preaching, when I knew I should be the 



go 



mark of everybody's criticism. I lost myself twice, but 
recovered in a few seconds, so that I got through with- 
out exactly failing/' 

About this time he received an invitation from the 
Presbyterian Church at Greensburg, Kentucky, to 
preach for them a Sabbath or two on trial. He writes : 

^' An elder in the Presbyterian Church at Greensburg, . 
about sixty miles southwest of Danville, has written 
me to come and preach there two or three Sundays. If 
I am acceptable to the people, they may invite me to 
preach there during the summer. I go with a good 
deal of diffidence ; for it is a strange place to me, and I 
understand there are a good many secesh in the church, 
that make a heap of trouble." 

He engaged to preach for four months to two churches, 
and also to teach school in the vicinity of Greensburg. 

"June 28. — The churches to which I preach, one in 
Greensburg, the other in Ebenezer, are both small and 
weak, especially so now in these excitements. In the 
Greensburg church half the members are Secessionists. 
They will scarcely come to hear me, much less give 



91 



anything toward my support ; and this only because I 
am known to be a Union man, and pray for the Union ; 
for I have not, as yet, touched upon the subject in my 
sermons. The same may be said of the other church, 
though in a less degree, most being Union. The 
Union members are all that could be wished ; firm, 
true, and uncompromising." 

'* I teach eight hours a day, as it is the custom in 
the country schools to make a whole day's work of it. 
I preach twice each Sunda}^. Every other week once 
to the colored brethren. I feel that I am getting into 
my life-work, and hope I shall have strength to pursue 
it long, and that my heart will not be faint." 

'' I have had a pretty hard time of it this session be- 
tween studying and teaching, and though I have been 
blessed with health, I do not feel that I can go to work 
in my new field with the vigor and the strength that I 
ought to have. My sermons are a great task. Not 
perhaps so much in themselves as in their continual 
anticipation. From Monday morning to Sunday it is 
continually weighing upon me. There is not a moment 
which school duties leave me, in which I am not un- 
comfortable, unless I am doing something toward that 
sermon; but the churches to which I preach know my 
position, and I hope make all the allowances due. I 
have many kind friends here, and everything in my sur- 
roundings seems to be as pleasant as;:an be made." 



92 

To his mother: 

" July 20, 1862. 

** Upon the whole, I am sorry brother H. is going 
into the army, though I shall not discourage him now. 
I think it would be better for me to go. I am more 
afraid of the terrible temptations to wickedness in camp 
life than the dreadful liability to disease. I have seen 
enough in Kentucky to make me fear for H. Still, un- 
der God's care, and by ceaseless prayer and watching, 
he may overcome all evil. I feel that the cause re- 
quires the sacrifice of dearest interests." 



The latter part of summer, 1862, he made up his 
mind to come North again, before he should enter 
upon his last session at the seminary. The first of 
September, having fulfilled his time at Greensburg, he 
made ready for his anticipated trip to Connecticut. 
His youngest brother had just enlisted in the Fifteenth 
Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers, which was then in 
camp, waiting orders to leave New Haven ; and the fam- 
ily were very anxious that William should reach home 



93 

before his brother should be obliged to leave. When the 
expected hour of his arrival had come, the question was 
heard all over the house, in going out and coming in, 
and at the camp : " Has Willie come? " '' Has ' Bob- 
bie ' come?" But, alas! though we thought we even 
heard his foot-step upon the porch, no Willie, no 
^' Bobbie " was ever more to enter the portal or greet 
the inmates of his quiet, much-loved earthly home ! 

From the following letters and journal will be seen 
how different the way in which God led him from that 
which he had marked out for himself: 



** Lebanon, Ky., Sept. 3d, 1862. 

*' I am for the present blockaded in this town. I had 
arranged to leave Ireland Neighborhood (the place 
where he taught school), bright and early last Monday 
morning, to be in Danville Monday night. But last 
Sunday, Morgan the ' Bandit,' entered Columbia, and 
seized the stage-horses. Monday evening, Morgan's 
pickets were within a mile of where I was. I packed up 
my trunk, and left it at Mr. Buchanan's. I started on 
foot and reached Campbellsville at 9 o'clock P. M. The 



94 



stage between Campbellsville and Lebanon did not run, 
for fear of being captured, so I had to walk to this place. 
While on my way, I was arrested by the Federal pickets, 
and detained several hours, but, after seeing the colonel 
in command, giving him all the information I had, and 
explaining my own actions, he gave me a pass, and set 
me on my way rejoicing. He said if he had had a horse 
to spare, he would have given me one. I reached Leba- 
non Tuesday afternoon, and here I have been since. No 
one can pass out toward Danville, because the enemy 
are there. I am therefore for the present locked up 
here and my trunk,"^ for aught I know, captured by 
rebels. But I guess not. Last Friday our forces were 
whipped near Richmond. The result is, Frankfort, 
Lexington, Harrodsburg, and the railroad most up to 
Cincinnati, are in the hands of the rebels. There is 
some apprehension of an attack on Lebanon, and we 
may have a fight. I think likely there will be no 
seminary this year." 

"Louisville, Ky., Sept. 12th, 1862. 
" Here I am in this city, thrown by the waves of the 

* His trunk, which was carefully made ready for his journey to Con- 
necticut, was detained at Lebanon, the village in which he was block- 
aded, where it was pillaged by Morgan's guerillas. A small testament 
and portfolio, afterward found, were the only articles recovered from its 
contents. 



95 



war on to the banks of the beautiful Ohio, and right 
glad am I, in all my perplexity, that, at last, I am where 
I can write. I wrote last from Lebanon, where I was 
penned up for a little while, by the Federal forces. 
After Morgan left Danville for Lexington, I succeeded 
in getting a pass for Danville, where I arrived last Fri- 
day. There were no rebel troops there, then, but they 
had left their mark behind. The seminary was broken 
up. I met Uncle there ; he had left Paint Lick — after 
hiding a day or two in the woods — as rebel troops had 
been to his house to arrest him. He did not think it 
safe to stay in Danville, and has gone to Louisville. I 
went on to Paint Lick, and preached there, Sunday, but 
didn't think it wise to stay long. I did not much fear 
being arrested, but every day made it more difficult to 
get out of the Confederate lines. So, early Monday 
morning I returned to Danville, and arrived there in 
time to see a brigade of rebels, with the banner of treach- 
ery floating over them, march into town. I went to 
Dr. Humphrey, the only professor remaining in Dan- 
ville, to ask his advice as to my course of action, and 
what he thought of a minister turning soldier. He said 
he did not think I was called to go into the army, and 
that I had better go to Princeton. He advised me, more- 
over, to try and get a chaplaincy in some regiment. I 
told him there was no way of my getting one. Where- 
upon he wrote a letter of introduction and recommenda- 



96 



tion for me to General Boyle, and told me to hide it 
about my person, and make for Louisville. I left my 
baggage and, by walking half the night, I evaded the 
Confederate pickets, and got beyond their lines by day- 
break. With some trouble and expense, I reached Louis- 
ville, Wednesday evening. As to my getting a chaplaincy, 
all is very doubtful. The vacancies are all in regiments 
far away in Buell's army, and I am not acquainted with 
a single regimental officer in those regiments. However, 
I shall consider the chance worth waiting for. If I do 
not succeed in getting a chaplaincy, I shall enlist as a 
private soldier. I cannot go to Princeton, and if I 
should go, I couldn't study to any advantage, with the 
conflicting emotions which these times produce in my 
breast. Ah ! I have been disappointed in all my plans. 
Let us follow where our Saviour leads. Keep close to 
him." 

September 24. " Monday the people got scared, 
and began moving away. I helped pack up two or three 
families, and one large store, and, at night, joined the 
National Guard, Company B. I am a private ; we have 
been expecting hourly to be assigned to some duty, but 
as yet, we are only drilling. This is a battalion of State 
Militia. In case I get a commission as chaplain, I can 
leave it. But if not, I shall stay with it, at least 
three months. There are a thousand rumors in the 
city to-day. Buell is said to be quite near, and will 



97 



be here to-morrow. If this be so, our danger is avert- 
ed." 

September 25. '' Friday most of Buell's army got here. 
Colonel Hobson, of the Thirteenth Regiment Kentucky 
Volunteers, with whose family I became acquainted at 
Greensburg, offered me the position of chaplain in his 
regiment, as there happened to be a vacancy. I gladly 
accepted, and yesterday obtained a commission from 
the Adjutant-General. I am therefore now regularly 
the Chaplain of the Thirteenth Kentucky Volunteers. 
It is now encamped about two miles from the city. 
While a member of the Independent National Guards, 
I was under drill a good part of the time ; we were de- 
tailed as guards in the city, while the other soldiers 
went to the fortifications. Night before last I was out 
all night, and was marching pretty much all the time. 
We had to pick up straggling soldiers, and send them to 
their regiments, or put them in the guard-house, and to 
arrest all suspicious-looking persons. It made me very 
tired, but I have felt very well to-day." — ■'' These are 
busy times ; all the regiments have orders to be ready 
to march at a moment's notice. I must get me some 
kind of an outfit. I expect to sleep in camp to-morrow 
night, and on this account I write to-day, although it is 
Sabbath. I went out to camp this morning to make 
some arrangements for preaching. The Colonel ap- 
pointed 4 o'clock this afternoon ; I went out again at 

7 



the appointed time, and found that the regiment mean- 
time had been sent out on picket duty, so that I could 
not preach. I shall, no doubt, meet many such obsta- 
cles in my work. Please remember me in your prayers, 
that I may not be negligent in the duties of my office, 
or in using all my opportunities for doing good. You 
know I am not yet a regularly-ordained minister, and 
therefore cannot be mustered into service. I shall be 
ordained as soon as I get to Danville, 30th. The city 
yesterday was much excited about the death of General 
Nelson. The funeral takes place to-day." 



The following extracts are taken from his war record 
on the march from Louisville, Kentucky, to Nashville 
Tennessee: 



Camp of the 5th Division, "| 

Army of the Ohio, >- 

24 miles south of Louisville, j 

'' I am actually in the midst of war scenes ; not ex- 
actly the cannon's roar, or the smoke of angry batteries, 
but the din of camp preparations — the smoke of a thou- 
sand camp-fires, and, more than all, dreadful oaths and 
curses, which seem to fly on every passing breath of 



99 

air. We are now on what is called a ' forced march, 
although we are not going very fast. I am now writing 
right on the ground, cross-legged, with my paper on 
my knee. The 13th Kentucky is two rods on my left, 
and the 79th Ohio two rods on my right. On Wed- 
nesday the ist, our regiment was ordered to move. 
We camped 12 miles from Louisville, Wednesday night. 
I am taking it on foot for the present. But, fall in ! 
fall in ! is the order along the line ; so good-by."— " Thurs- 
day, it was the turn of our brigade and the I ith to lead 
the advance; so we marched along behind the cavalry 
and artillery. We caught a glimpse of the Rebel 
scouts and pickets."—" From Floyd's Creek there is 
an ascent of about four miles up to Mt. Washington. 
We went up the ascent through the woods in line of 
battle, and took the camp of the Rebel regiments of 
cavalry, who had evacuated it before we could reach 
them. The day before, in some skirmishing between 
the cavalry, two of our men were killed. They were 
both shot in the head, and presented a sad and dread- 
ful spectacle to me. I hope I shall see no more such, 
but I am afraid I shall see many. 

"Saturday, we marched three miles toward Bards- 
town. The advance of our column had a severe skir- 
mish with the rear guard of the Rebels just on the edge 
of Bardstown ; we had seven wounded, that escaped, 
and lost some prisoners. The Rebels left six killed in 



lOO 



Bardstown. They got the advantage of us in the skir- 
mish, but they retreated very fast after it. 

'' Our division, on Saturday, picked up six Rebel 
soldiers and one captain ; I conversed with the captain 
some time ; he was a gentlemanly, clean, polite fellow, 
but an incorrigible Secessionist."- — '' I woke yesterday 
to find one of the most beautiful Sabbath mornings 
breaking upon me that I ever beheld ; but it saddened 
me, when I saw that it made no change in camp life. 
The reveille was sounded as usual ; the bugles an- 
swered one another from camp to camp ; the aides flew 
round to give the orders of the day ; and by seven 
o'clock, 'Fall in! fall in! ' fell from the adjutant's lips 
as sternly as ever, and away we marched, the majority 
of us, perhaps, without knowing it was God's holy day. 
It was our turn to lead the whole ' corps d'armee ; ' 
skirmishers were detailed from our regiment to right 
and left ; we were evidently on the track of the enemy. 
The road we were following was beaten smooth by 
the tramp of the retreating Rebels ; and we saw the 
smoke of their still-burning camp fires, and picked up 
some fifteen stragglers ; we captured from them about 
a dozen muskets and three horses. I pitied the poor 
fellows, and talked particularly with three of them, all 
of whom said they did not enter the army voluntarily 
Two of them expressed a willingness to take the oath 
of allegiance. 



lOI 



'' We halted last night on the Bardstown pike road 
about sun-down ; there was no chance to preach through 
the day ; I proposed to preach at night, but the poor, 
hungry soldiers, as soon as they had eaten their scanty 
meal, wanted to lie down to sleep, and I felt so, too, I 
must say. A few of us got together and sang a 
few hymns, and thus ended my first Sabbath in the 
army. 

" Our staff-wagon, even, did not get up with the regi- 
ment ; I had nothing but a thin summer coat on, and 
the night was decidedly cool ; I was glad to accept 
from the Colonel the loan of a thin horse-blanket. I 
caught snatches of sleep, to wake up every half hour, 
and find myself shivering. I would get up and put some 
more fence-rails — which for aught I know were stolen — 
on the fire; then, after warming myself all around, I 
would lie down and sleep till I got thoroughly chilled ; 
and so on, throughout the night. I was heartily glad 
when morning came, although I was not rested, and 
had nothing to eat. To-day our regiment, instead of 
being the extreme front, is in the rear even of the bag- 
gage-train ; so we have to wait in camp to let the whole 
corps pass by. I improved the opportunity by bathing 
in * Beech Fork.' When I got back, our wagons were 
coming into camp ; so the next thing was to get break- 
fast. I then attended to some things about baggage, 
etc. It was by that time one o'clock. Still the army 



102 



was moving — moving — moving. It is now nine hours 
since the advance passed. This is what has given me 
time to write, but we will soon be going." 

'' I am not unhappy in my position ; I feel it is just 
the place for me ; it will help me to serve my country; 
to administer to the wants of my suffering fellow-crea- 
tures without deserting the peculiar work which my 
Father has called me to do. The future is bright before 
me. The petty hardships I am occasionally called to 
undergo are far more than balanced by the conscious- 
ness that I am engaged in a noble, a righteous cause. 

'' October 8. On the road sixteen miles west of Dan- 
ville. Monday, we marched till nearly midnight, and 
camped at Springfield. Yesterday, we had a tedious 
march; at times it was really distressing. The day was 
hot and sultry, and we found no water. Thirty thou- 
sand soldiers drained the last drop, and I gladly drank 
the filthiest water. We were obliged to go five miles 
out of our way to get to the stream. Thousands of 
soldiers fell out by the way perfectly exhausted. I am 
told we have picked up about three thousand pris- 
oners in all. Buell has the' perfect confidence of the 
army. He has at least seventy-five thousand troops in 
the field, which left Louisville all the same morning. 
Crittenden's corps, in which I am, has at least twenty- 
five thousand ; Thomas' and McCook's command, each 
a corps. I think we shall sweep the State ; all so far is 



103 



highly successful. There is also a force advancing 
down from Cincinnati." — ''On Wednesday, the 8th 
October, a severe battle was fought at Perryville, twelve 
miles west of Danville. Crittenden's corps was not 
seriously engaged, but the left wing suffered severely. 
The battle-field is a terrible sight." 

" October 22. Between Danville and Perryville, Mor- 
gan's band attacked and drove in our pickets, but was 
speedily repulsed. The attack, however, delayed us a 
day. Our brigade, on Friday, was obliged to march 
and stand in a cold rain for over six hours, and then it 
was long after dark before we could get into camp and 
have any fires made. The result was, that I was verj^ 
sick. If we had marched far on Saturday, I don't 
think I could have borne it. 

" The regiment moved on toward Crab-Orchard and 
Mt. Vernon; I left in order to spend a night at Paint 
Lick. When I had arrived in sight of uncle's house, 
I ran right into some Rebel pickets. I was somewhat 
alarmed, as the day before I had bought a horse and I 
expected to lose it ' instanter' Fortunately, however, 
I had no badge of any kind on my person. The first 
question they asked me, was where I lived ? I pointed 
to uncle's house, and said, tJierc. Two pickets were 
detailed to accompany me to the house, and I got 
home safe. 

" The next day I took to the woods and corn-fields. 



104 



and got safely beyond the Rebel lines, and went imme- 
diately to Crab-Orchard, where I gave the information 
at head-quarters. Saturday, I caught up with the regi- 
ment, two miles beyond Rockcastle River. Sunday, I 
preached. The regiment was seated on the ground all 
around. I talked as well as I could, from the text, 
* Prepare to meet thy God.' Soon after, orders came 
for marching. We went beyond Wild-Cat, over some 
of the roughest roads and wildest country that ever 
man beheld. We camped Sunday night in the woods, 
in Laurel County, a few miles north of Loudon." 

He left the regiment now for a day or two to attend 
his ordination. 

''October 25, 1862. — I was ordained last night at 
Danville, and am now a regular minister of the Gospel." 

He had been a student of theology at Danville two 
years, and, although he had been interrupted in his 
studies by teaching, as he had been in college, yet it 
will appear by the following extracts, that he made 
such proficiency in his work as to give ample satisfac- 
tion to the officers and trustees of the seminary. 



105 

From Rev. A. A. Hogue, one of the trustees of the 

seminary : 

^' It was my duty, as well as pleasure, to be at the 
examination of the students of the seminary, at the 
close of each session. In these examinations William 
always stood at the head, among the first of his class, 
making the contrast evident to every one present of the 
superiority of his attainments, and the ardor of his 
studies. He was a young man of jnark, even in the 
seminary. There was added to this much undissembled 
humility, such total absence of self, such absorption in 
his studies, as was charming in the highest degree to 
the visitors and hearers. I was at the Presbytery 
meeting at which he was licensed to preach the gospel. 
His trial pieces were of the very highest order. This I 
say deliberately, after an experience in this same Pres- 
bytery of some twenty-three years in licensing young 
men, and we have during that period licensed some 
that are now doing a good work, and stand deservedly 
high in the annals of the Church. His power of analy- 
sis^ was very great, and his logical power was such, that 
he would follow a subject out into all its ramifications, 
setting forth with great power and truthfulness the 
leading parts of the text. He had fine abilities as a 
speaker. He was fluent and easy, making a fine im- 
pression on his audience, and carrying home with great 



io6 



power the truth as it is in Jesus. But while he was re- 
markable in these respects, he was even more remark- 
able for his simple, unostentatious piety. This was the 
great charm that gave him power with the people. 
They believed in his goodness, in his sincerity as a 
Christian." 

Dr. Breckinridge, President of the Seminary, Profes- 
sors Humphrey and Yerkes, unitedly speak of him in 
the following note : — 

" All accounts agree in representing his work as a li- 
centiate as having given great promise of future useful- 
ness, and his short service as chaplain in the army as 
being in full accordance with that promise. Our know- 
ledge of him was chiefly as a student under our care up 
to the period of licensure, and we take a melancholy 
pleasure in declaring our confidence in him, our respect 
and esteem for him, and our assured hopes concerning 
him. His conduct was, as it appeared before us, wholly 
blameless ; his example profitable in all things to his 
fellow-students ; his success in his studies very marked, 
and his whole character and his attainments, both in 
divine and human knowledge, seemed to point him out 
as one whom the Lord had chosen and fitted to do much 
for His blessed cause. All that is known to us of his 
previous life, before he came to the Danville Theologi- 



I07 



cal Seminary, adds to the mysterious Providence of his 
early death, which to weak human judgment would 
seem to be one of the innumerable blows falling upon 
the Church in these sad times." 



To his brother H. : 

" November i, 1862. 

" I have found it extremely difficult during our march 
from Louisville in chase of Bragg, to write at all. We 
are now in Green county, where I preached during the 
summer, and I am writing in the house of one of my 
parishioners. I have been well most of the time, and 
well enough to march all the time. On this march we 
have been without the sign of a tent. Often the staff- 
wagon has not been up with us, and I have slept several 
nights with nothing but a horse-blanket under me, and 
the sky as a star-spangled banner over me. The 
weather has been precisely such as I would wish to 
gradually harden me to the service. Buell has'nt caught 
Bragg. I understand he is superseded and that Rose- 
crans takes his place. I have had very little opportu- 
nity to preach. We have had several prayer-meetings, 
and my work looks brighter and easier as I get ac- 
quainted with the men. Our army, I expect, is now 
making for Nashville. Tell me all about your chaplain 
and the meetings in your regiment. By the way, don't 



;o8 



neglect the prayer-meeting. Tell me all about your 
health, and duties and doings ; all about the brigades 
and their stations, and commanders. Now, do your 
duty on all occasions, it is ever the path of safety. 
Write home frequently ; be constant in prayer ; put on 
the whole armor of God ; pray for your brother." 
" November 4. I am again at Greensburg. Friday 
we reached Columbia. As this was very near to Green 
county where our regiment was mostly raised, permis- 
sion was given to the men and officers to ' go home ' 
for three days and report in Glasgow. This opportu- 
nity of visiting their homes was joyfully accepted by 
the men, most of whom had not been home for thirteen 
or fourteen months. Friday night I staid in Ebenezer. 
Saturday I came down with Colonel Hobson to Greens- 
burg, and preached here on Sunday morning. I then 
went back and preached in the afternoon at Ebenezer. 
Monday morning I went over to Ireland and visited the 
school-house, where I saw many of my old scholars." 



*' Nov. II, Camp near Silver Springs, ) 

between Nashville and Gallatin, V 

and south of Cumberland River. ) 

^' When I left Greensburg, by the kindness of Mr. 
Wilson, I was furnished with a horse to ride to Glas- 
gow. The regiment I found had left Glasgow the same 



109 

morning. I took up the line of march and overtook it 
just as it entered Scottsville. Friday, we reached the 
State line, and bid good-bye to old Kentucky. Our men 
were fresh from their homes, they had clean shirts, and 
clean faces, and crossed the line with willing steps, yet 
all seemed to feel as if they were going from home. 
We camped that night for the first time on the soil of 
a seceded State. Saturday night, we camped on the 
Cumberland, a little below Gallatin ; we rested there 
Sunday, and a delightful day of rest it was. I preached, 
in the morning, to a large, attentive audience."— '^ We 
had prayer-meeting last night; a few good humble 
Christians attend. Although the number is small, I be- 
lieve that the prayer-meeting is the place where the 
most good will be effected. The health of the regiment 
is good. My own health never was better ; I hope for 
the best. But when the cold damp rains of a Southern 
winter come, it will be a different thing from the pleas- 
ant weather of the fall. Morgan's cavalry is prowling 
about us, and teazing us considerably. This morning 
some of his men made a dash within two miles of our 
camp, and picked up some fifty of our men, and were off 
in a trice. He's hard to catch, and I'm afraid neither 
Rosecrans, nor any one else, will do much better than 
Buell, with the old rascal^ 



no 



To Dwight Peck,* who, together with several of his 
scholars had enlisted in the United States army: 



*'Camp Seven Miles East of Nashville, ) 
'' November 24, 1862. f 

*' I was at the battle of Perryville, but being on the 
right wing, our regiment was not in the action. I went 
over a portion of the battlefield, and saw horrible sights. 
I think General Buell has faults, but by no means de- 
serves the censure which he has generally received. 
We all give, however, a hearty support to General 
Rosecrans, and hope he will be speedily successful in 
the highest degree. 

*' I think you did well to vote for Buckingham at the 
time. If all the Democrats had done as you did, we 
would have had one grand Union party. Would that 
all good Union-loving men would join and save the 
nation. 

" On our march we moved every Sunday. I am get- 
ting acquainted with the men, and hope to do good by 



* This worthy and patriotic young man — Dwight Peck — died of 
typhoid fever at the regimental hospital, opposite Fredericksburg, Vir- 
ginia, on the I2th of January, 1863, just one month and nine days after 
William's death. He was the son of Pearl Peck, Esq., of North Wind- 
ham, Connecticut. 



Ill 



conversation. Pray for me, Divight, and for yourself. 
Keep your integrity, and don't give way to the least in- 
fraction of the right. Remember me with much affec- 
tion and regard to Charlie F., to Alvin, to Osmore, to 
Henry B., and Madison, and any other scholars who 
are with you, not forgetting Captain S. 

"' Stand by each other in times of temptation. Be- 
ware of the first ' tip of zvhisky^ even on a weary 
march — the first profane expression or vulgarity. God 
bless and guide you all." 

"■ Silver Springs, Wilson Co., Tenn., ) 
" November 17, 1862. ) 

" The main body of the army is in Nashville. Crit- 
tenden's Corps is here, about twenty miles from there. 
We staid in camp from Monday till Friday. This was 
the longest rest we have had since leaving Louisville, 
but as we were expecting to move all the time, and 
were occasionally ordered into line of battle, we did 
not profit much by it. Sunday, we marched twenty 
miles. I got wet through and through, but I went to 
bed dry and warm, which many of the soldiers couldn't 
do, as they had no clothes to change. My work has 
been rather discouraging, though I feel nothing like 
despairing of seeing brighter and cheerier times. 
There are some good Christian men in the regiment, 



112 



and I hope we will be able to strengthen ourselves. 
Not many Union people hereabouts." 

The letter from which the above extract was taken 
was the last he sent home, though he wrote at a later 
date to some of his friends. The last account he had 
given of his health, November nth, was: "My own 
health was never better." 



The members of his family were now separated, no 
two of them together. The father was in Mississippi, 
the elder brother in North Carolina, the sisters in Con- 
necticut, the younger brother in the army, and the 
mother in Granville, Ohio. 

Thus separated, while each one was anxiously wait- 
ing to hear from him again, the heartrending telegram 
announcing his death, reached his mother in Ohio on 
the afternoon of the 3d of December, 1862. The in- 
tervening week between the announcement of his death 
and the receiving of Adjutant Woodruff's letter, was a 



113 

week not to be forgotten. The fact— and only the fact 
— had reached us, that our promising son and brother 
was dead. His father and brother F. could not even 
be informed of the sad fact. His brother H., then in 
the midst of battle before Fredericksburg, Virginia — 
his sisters — what a sudden blow to them ! His mother, 
although separated from her own family, was yet in 
the midst of relatives and sympathizing friends. Her 
aged father, over four score years and ten, mourning 
and laboring to soothe his heart-striken daughter by 
his comforting words and prayers. A loving sister, 
whose heart was full of kindness and tender sympathy, 
and many other friends manifesting sorrow in her sor- 
row. In i860, after William left for Kentucky, his 
mother had a short dream. Two students were walking- 
on the opposite side of the street from the house ; one 
said to the other: ''William C. Johnston is dead." 
The same words came in the telegram, the word 
'* Rev. " only being prefixed. 



114 



FROM ADJUTANT WOODRUFF, OF THE I3TH KY. REGT. 

" MUNFORDVILLE, Ky., Dec. 4, 1862. 

*' Mrs. Johnston : — It is my painful duty to inform 
you of the death of your excellent son— the Chaplain 
of our regiment. We left Nashville on the 25th Nov. 
On Thursday, the 27th, he complained of having a cold, 
and feeling unwell. We were on our return from Ten- 
nessee to this place ; but, owing to various trivial acci- 
dents to the locomotive, we were detained on the road 
until Sunday, Nov. 30. Upon arriving at this place, 
Col. Hobson, Col. Carlile, and Capt. Thompson had him 
removed to a hotel. He seemed to get a little worse, 
but no ^nxiety was felt for him. During the night of 
the 2d (Tuesday), he became alarmingly ill, and Wed- 
nesday morning, the surgeon pronounced that he would 
not live through the day. 

" I visited him about half-past 9 o'clock A. M. He 
seemed to breathe hard, and suffered some. Rev. 
James C. Rush, who was in attendance, determined to 
inform him of his real condition. He called him, and 
Mr. Johnston turned on his back, and Mr. Rush told 
him his time was short in this world, and if he had any 
directions to give, he would receive them. He then 
gave your name and that of two sisters, wishing to be 



115 



remembered to you It was with great difficulty he 
spoke. After a moment's pause, he quoted a passage 
of Scripture, which I could not understand. I then 
suggested to him, if he would have me telegraph to 
you. He replied in the affirmative. I then took leave 
of him, and he gave me his blessing, which were the 
last intelligible w^ords he uttered. 

'' I proceeded to the office and telegraphed. He was 
very low. While waiting there, I received intelligence 
that he was dead, which I immediately telegraphed to 
you. He died about lo o'clock A. M., Dec. 3d, of 
typhoid pneitnwnia^ and was buried this morning at 
the same hour, in the private burying-ground of Mr. 
Robert Munford, a Presbyterian gentleman of this 
place. The regiment accompanied the corpse to the 
grave. Our acquaintance with your son was short, 
but, in that time, he proved himself a devoted Christian 
and an honorable man. He was universally beloved 
by the regiment, and ever received the highest esteem 
of officers and men. He was attended in his illness by 
Assistant Surgeon Edward S. Cooper, assisted by Dr. 
Gardner, of Woodsonville. Private Thomas J. Carey, 
Company A, an excellent nurse, attended him day and 
night. Captain Wallace Victor occupied the same 
room, and rendered him every attention in his power. 
Rev. James C. Rush was present, and did all in his 
power to soothe his last moments. In writing you this 



ii6 



painful intelligence, I am desired to give you the sin- 
cerest sympathy of Col. Hobson, Col. Carlile, Major 
Hobson, and every officer in the regiment. All unite 
in sending their kindest regards to your afflicted family. 
** I am, very respectfully, 

" W. W. Woodruff, 

*' Adjutant 13th Ky. Vols." 



The Adjutant's letter brought a relief hardly antici- 
pated in those times of war, when so many among the 
sick and dying could not be cared for at all. Since our 
boy must die, that so many kind friends were ready to 
give him every necessary attention ; that a grave, too, 
should be kindly made ready in a secure private burial- 
place— was to us, as a family, a great comfort. We 
would tender to these friends our heart-felt gratitude. 

The officers and men of the 13th Kentucky Regiment 
we shall not forget. Their spiritual welfare lay near the 
heart of their young Chaplain. Often, when writing 
home, did he speak of them, hoping to be able to do 



11/ ' 

them good, to point them to Christ as their only 
Saviour ; regretting that, so far, so few opportunities 
had been offered of preaching the Gospel to them, and 
meeting with them for prayer and praise. 

Subsequently to receiving the Adjutant's letter we 
learned, through other friends, that after his arrival at 
Munfordville he did not incline to talk much — was 
rather drowsy. His physical strength, however, re- 
mained to the last. The morning he died, he walked 
from his couch to his bed, and read a letter he had just 
received. It does not seem that he anticipated death 
as near, but said, if called to die now, he was ready ; 
and at last, when told that death was at the door, he 
accepted the message without alarm ; spoke of his 
dearest earthly ties ; then calmly resigned his spirit 
into the hands of Him who gave it. 



The following lines were found among his army 
papers : 



ii8 



" I shine in the light of God : 

His likeness stamps my brow; 
Through the shadows of Death my feet have 
trod, 

And I reign in glory now ! 

'^ I have found the joy of heaven, f 

I am one of the angel band ; 
To my head a crown is given, 

And the harp is in my hand. 

" I have learned the song they sing. 

Whom Jesus hath set free ; 
And the glorious walls of heaven now ring 

With my new-born melody. 



" Friends of my mortal years, 

The trusted and the true, 
You're walking still through the valley of tears, 

And I wait to welcome you. 



" And why should your tears flow down. 
And your hearts be sorely riven, 

For another gem in your Saviour's crown. 
Another soul in heaven ? " 



119 



FROM ROBERT S. MUNFORD, ESQ., TO WM'S UNCLE. 

" MuNFORDViLLE, Dec. 3, 1862. 

''Rev. Mr. Johnston: 

'' Dear Sir : — It becomes my painful duty to inform 
you of the very sudden and unexpected death of your 
nephew, Rev. Wm. C. Johnston, Chaplain of the 13th 
Ky. Reg't of Infantry — Col. Hobson. It is now about 
noon. He died about 10 o'clock to-day. He was 
brought sick to my boarding-house on Monday morn- 
ing last, and, as there was no suitable room for him 
here, Capt. Thompson took him to a hotel, where he 
had a good quiet room above stairs, and every neces- 
sary care and attention given him. Capt. Victor and a 
good nurse detached from the regiment attended him 
night and day. I was not present when he died. The 
Rev. J. C. Rush, Chaplain of Col. Grider's regiment, 
informed me last night that he asked him a few minutes 
before his death if he thought himself dangerously ill. 
He said he did not. Mr. R. then informed him he was 
dying. He received the word with a great deal of com- 
posure and self-possession. * " * I have had the grave 
dug in our family burying-ground, and he will be buried 
there to-morrow at 11 o'clock." 



120 



FROM WM S UNCLE TO MR. MUNFORD. 

'' Paint Lick, Dec' 12, '6:. 

'' My Very Dear Sir :— Your kind letters of the 3d 
and 4th inst. reached me by the last mail. I was truly 
afflicted by the sad intelligence you sent me. We had 
received a letter from William, written near Gallatin, 
Tenn., a few weeks ago, full of life and devotion to the 
duties of his office in the army, and not a word as to 
his being sick or in feeble health. Up to the time of 
receiving your letter announcing his sudden death, I 
had looked upon him as my own son, and of course 
took the deepest interest in him and in all his pursuits, 
and had entertained the confident hope that the Spirit 
of God rested on him, and was rapidly preparing him 
for very great services in the Lord's vineyard. 

"■ We cannot feel any mistrust as to William's present 
blessedness in the presence of God his Saviour. He 
lived as one who expected to die, and I am glad to 
hear from you that he met death calmly, without a 
fear." 



121 



From a cousin 



" I cannot tell you with what grief I read your letter 
announcing the death of our dear William. How can 
his country, his family, or his friends spare him ? But 
it is not for us to question— Why? 

" The noble, self-sacrificing boy, so young and so 
gifted, has fallen while serving his country. How com- 
forting the assurance of his growing devotedness to the 
cause of his Divine Master ! His life, too, is convmcn.g 
proof of his preparation for the change. Th.s is every- 
thin... I think you have the greatest cause for grati- 
tude! Your family, too, in this hour of bereavement, 
all know where to go for consolation. If you could be 
together now, if only for a few hours, your hearts would 
be cheered and strengthened. But this c^_"^°*^_^p„ 

From his grandfather to his brother and sisters: 

.. Our beloved William, much as we loved him, must 
CO to swell the number of those who are sacrificed for 

" , Up wai; lovelv in his life, and 

their country's cause. He was lovely m 

his memory will ever be precious to us all. I was ac- 
quainted with him by short visits, and the more I saw 
of him the more I loved him, and it appears to be so 



122 



everywhere. But he is gone where sickness and sorrow 
can never enter to disturb the peace and happiness of 
its inhabitants. " 



FROM THE LATE REV. J. L. OGDEN. 

" New Haven, Ct., Dec. i6, 1862. 

'* Your note, giving us information of William's 
death, was duly received, and filled us all with grief. 
His mind was cultivated, and he gave promise of a 
useful life, a comfort to his parents, and a blessing to 
the world. But God, in His infinite wisdom and good- 
ness, too, has taken him away. I know how difficult it 
is for us poor imperfect creatures to trust that all is 
well, and that the best thing has taken place which 
could take place. It is hard to bring these wicked, 
faithless hearts of ours to the full measure of that con- 
fidence in God, which leaves all things, without reserve, 
in His hands. And yet this, we know, is not only our 
duty, but our happiness. 

'' But, though we know this, and acknowledge that 
God has done His will and done it right, yet the heart 
feels on, and cannot rest. This is the natural effect of 
grief. It must be indulged to a certain extent. We 



123 



cannot pen up the overflowings of nature, even by con- 
siderations of evangelical truth. ''^ - "^ The peaceable 
fruits of righteousness, which we are told that chastening 
yields, are not at the time of our greatest suffering, but 
* afterward. ' When affliction first overtakes us, we 
are overwhelmed. It is ' afterward, ' when we have 
the time to think of God and His government, and to 
call up to view the various grounds of hope and com- 
fort, that we find our resignation and confidence. 

" I think you have much to assuage your grief in the 
personal character of Willie. There can be no doubt 
that he is at rest. The time will come in your exists 
ence when you will see the rectitude and wisdom of 
God's proceedings in the present case. We pray for 
you and sympathize with you, but vain is the help of 
man. God only can put under you His everlasting 
arms, and keep you from sinking in these deep waters." 



From his classmate, Rev. J. L. Daniels : 

*' He loved 0/d Yale with a hearty love. He was in- 
terested in everything pertaining to college. Though 
absent so much by reason of teaching, he was constantly 
rising in rank, and stood much above the average rank 
of his classmates. As a mathematician he was among 



124 

the very first. Yet, as a speaker and writer, he was 
most eminent. His first prizes in composition, declama- 
tion, and debate, so rarely taken by the same person, 
testify to his superiority in these respects. These 
talents, coupled with his warm social nature, explain 
his love for college societies. He was ardent and en- 
thusiastic in them, for they called out those very quali- 
ties which he possessed to such an unusual degree. 
These qualities, added to the still rarer ones, of an hum- 
ble estimate of self, and freedom from envy, made him 
exceedingly popular in his class and college. He devel- 
oped very rapidly. No man in the class improved more 
rapidly than he. * * * And what pleased me more 
than all, was the knowledge of the fact, from my very 
intimate acquaintance with him, that he never compro- 
mised conscience, or lowered the standard of duty. He 
mingled with students of all grades of character, yet 
did not borrow from them standards of action. " 



Another classmate, David J. Ogden, says : 

** As a friend he was firm and devoted, possessing the 
rare virtue of entering into the feelings and troubles of 
others. * * * His course in college was eminently 
brilliant, bearing off more honors than any single mem- 
ber of his large class of one hundred and eight. Such, 



125 



however, was his habitual modesty, that his unusual 
success excited no ill will or envy among his classmates. 
They all admired his talents, esteemed his virtues, and 
loved him as a friend and brother. 

*' As a Christian he was distinguished for the strength 
of his convictions, and his firm adherence to duty. 
Consistent and irreproachable, none could fail to see the 
sincerity and unostentatious simplicity of his character 
and life. " 



" St. Helena, S. Ca., Jan. 6, 1862. 

** Last Saturday evening," says a classmate, " my 
wife read to me from the * Independent ' the sad, sad 
notice of dear Will's death. It brought to my eyes 
the first tears they have known for a long time. I can- 
not realize that he is dead. It does not seem that I 
shall not grasp his hand next Commencement. I can't 
give up the hope which has given me so much joy, that 
all along in life I shall now and then meet his dear face, 
and enjoy communion with him. I loved Will dearly." 

'* How I wish I could comfort you ! Loving classmates 
and friends in New Haven must have spoken words 
of sympathy, which make my written ones sound 
cold and tame. But believe me, dear friends, I fully 



126 



sympathize with you, and my prayers for you have been 
earnest and frequent, that you may be comforted with 
Divine consolation. You will greatly miss him as a son 
and brother, and will need much grace to feel resigned 
to the loss of one so precious. 

" E. S. Williams." 



From his uncle, S. L. Howe : 

'' Oh, how my heart bleeds for you and yours ! I am 
sure that God doeth all things well. Your dear son 
was undoubtedly ripe for heaven, and God took him to 
swell the joy and bliss of that glorious and hallowed 
place. This was done, we doubt not, for the greatest 
peace, joy, and happiness of the whole universe of 
God. In this thought may you be comforted. Life, 
at best, is short ; a few years, more or less, is but of 
little consequence, so that we be prepared for the great 
change. I have never realized this so much as since 
this war began ; and I pray God, night and day, that 
it may never end till universal liberty may be per- 
fectly and fully established wherever the Stars and 
Stripes wave. 

''Your son is dead — sacrificed on his country's altar 
— and mine may be dead, also ; but I have others to 
offer, and myself, too, if the Lord wills. God alone 



127 



can console you ! Go to Him. Be of good cheer. 
Heaven will fill this void with glories which eye hath 
not seen, nor ear heard." 



A friend at Salem, Mass., says : 

" It was with deep sorrow that I yesterday heard of 
Willie's death, and read a copy of a letter from the 
adjutant of his regiment. 'Twas pleasant to see how 
they all loved him, as a Christian and as a man. It 
was the first of my knowing that Willie was in the 
army, and a chaplain, too. How like him ! In whatever 
place he occupied, still engaged in his Master's service. 
All our recollections of him are of the most pleasant 
character; and all are deeply pained to learn of his 
early death, though we are constrained to say : What is 
our loss is his gain. Oh, what a blessed comfort it is, 
in losing near and dear friends, to feel that all is well 
with them ; that they were fully prepared to go ! It 
takes away much of the pain of parting ! " 



From a friend in advanced years : 

*' I feel that you will be sustained and comforted by 



128 



our Heavenly Father, who knows what is best for his 
children. Your dear son was spared to you long enough 
to accomplish the great business of life. You have seen 
him take the Saviour as his friend and portion, in prefer- 
ence to all worldly things. You have witnessed his 
godly example and his holy influence on those around 
him, and his desire to go forth in his country's defense, 
notwithstanding the dangers that awaited him. Then, 
most of all, to meet the messenger of death with such 
calmness. God grant that this great trial may be sanc- 
tified to you all ! * ^ '^ Deep sorrow gathered in our 
hearts as we heard of the decease of your beloved son. 
We ever felt, when Willie was with us, that our cup of 
pleasure was mingled with an unusual fullness. We all 
loved him — loved his noble principles, his intelligent 
conversation, his Christian spirit, and many times is he 
now referred to. Often, as he passed and re-passed 
through the parlor and hall, did we hear him sing some 
heavenly song ; and among the number, and perhaps 
the oftenest : 

" ' Oh, sing to me of heaven, 

When I'm about to die ; 
Sing songs of holy ecstasy, 
To waft my soul on high. ' 

"And now his disenthralled and happy spirit is 



129 

winging its way on pinions of love toward the great 
center of heavenly bliss. 

'' W. W. " 



From Mrs. M. G. Benjamin, who knew him from 
childhood : 



''Your dear William gone; cut off in all his prom- 
ise ; with all his bright youthful hopes and energies 
fresh ; so full as he was of life ! I can hardly realize it ; 
and you mourning the first breach that death has made 
in your family ! My heart aches for you, my dear sister, 
and I would fain speak some words of comfort to your 
stricken heart. But you have higher consolations — a 
Friend that can sustain and comfort, when human 
sympathy and love are felt to be of little avail ; and I 
trust that Friend is near you, sitting with you, as He 
did with the mourners, at Bethany. Dear William ! 
All my recollections of him are so pleasant ; and so all 
his friends may say ; for a lovelier natural disposition was 
never combined with finer mental powers, and energy, 
and determination of purpose than in his character ; 
and when the grace of God sanctified all these natural 
9 



I30 



traits, and superadded an earnest piety, we had reason 
to look for the accomplishment of much good in the 
world through him. But he has not lived in vain ; his 
short life has left an impression that will not be lost on 
all who knew him ; and ripened thus early for heaven, 
his fine powers of mind and soul have entered on the 
higher and more perfect praise and service of that 
world. But, oh, your sorrow is heavy. I do, indeed, 
know the ' aching heart.' You have the sweetest com- 
fort you could have, under such a trial, in the sure evi- 
dence his life of devoted piety gave of his full prepara- 
tion for heaven. 

^' I think of you with most tender sympathy, and I 
feel much for the brother and sisters. Frontis will feel it, 
and it will be a severe blow to his father, if the news 
reaches him. Our poor country ! How many Rachels 
are weeping like you ; but not all have your consola- 
tions in their sorrow. A dark day this is." 



^' Your note," says a friend, " calls pleasantly to my 
remembrance your noble departed son William, and it 
also calls to mind most sadly the vacancy created in 
your family circle, by his sudden call to heavenly scenes. 
He was ever a joy and a comfort to his friends, and had 
gone directly and manfully to work in his Master's 
cause, even while preparing himself for more extended 



131 



usefulness. I well know what a main-stay he was in 
your household, and how much his natural cheerfulness 
lightened dark days. Truly, we have here no abiding 
city, but we seek one to come, and the knowledge of 
that is a glorious knowledge. 

'* W. B. D." 



From Mr. Wilson, of Greensburg, Ky. : 

'' Our house was Mr. Johnston's home when here. 
He was as one of the family, dearly beloved by every 
member. His death cast a gloom over this entire com- 
munity. We considered him, at the time of his death, 
as the pastor of our church. No minister of his age 
could have had more friends than he had. Young, 
talented, patriotic, and a devoted Christian, it was hard 
to give him up. When the army was returning to 
Nashville, Mr. Johnston and a number of the 13th 
Ky. returned by this place, and remained at their 
homes about three days. This was the last time we 
ever saw or heard our beloved brother Johnston preach. 
The sermon he delivered that Sabbath to a very large 
and attentive audience, will never be forgotten by his 
hearers. " 



132 

Mrs. Wilson adds : J 

" " The morning he left, I prepared a bundle for him 
of such eatables as I thought he would relish, knowing 
that soldiers' fare, even the best, was indifferent. 
When we told him good-bye, how little did we think it 
would be for the last time ! " 



" Dec. 14th, 1862. 

" It is but two days, " says a classmate, " since I 
heard the sad news of the death of William. The 
particulars, I hope, may soon reach us ; but whether 
they do or not, I shall rest in the assurance that his 
death, like his life, was a noble one ; for we die as we 
live. 

" I write to express my sympathy with you, and my 
esteem and love for William. Though you knew of the 
friendship that had grown up between us, yet I doubt 
if you were at all aware how strong it had become. 
William was my dearest classmate. Of the one hundred 
and eight, there were many warm friends whom I shall 
never cease to love ; but he was dearest of all. He was so 
simple, frank, generous, amiable, noble-hearted, and 
manly, that my soul was knit to him as David's was to 
Jonathan. How sacred are the memories that cling to 



133 



him ! The places associated with him are many and dear. 
His home, which was always enlivened by his presence : 
my old room, where he so often visited me ; the society 
halls, which he always adorned ; the prayer meeting, 
where he spoke and prayed ; the long and well-remem- 
bered walks, when we were so free and frank with each 
other. What a comfort it is to me, and what a com- 
fort it must be to you, to look back upon so lovely and 
noble a life. The tears moisten my eyes, when I think 
of him as cut off in the freshness of youth, with the 
prospects which his talents and character seemed to 
warrant, all blasted. But, when I think of the life he 
lived, and the example he has left us, I am thankful to 
my Heavenly Father that He ever gave me such a 
friend to love. His very death is an incentive to me to 
lead a more useful life. I pray that it may be sanctified 
to us all. 

"J. L. D." 



His class, at their triennial meeting, held at New 
Haven, July 29th, 1863, offered the following tribute 
to his memory : 

'' That in the death of WiLLTAM C. JOHNSTON we 
have lost a sincere and warm-hearted friend, whose 



34 



frankness and generosity, coupled with rare talents and 
a child-like Christian faith, had endeared him to us by 
the most tender and sacred ties. That we honor his 
name and cherish his memory for the self-sacrificing 
spirit which led him to give up his long-cherished 
hopes, and bid farewell to the most flattering prospects 
of usefulness and happiness, just as they were within 
his grasp, in order that he might serve the country and 
cause he so dearly loved. That we sympathize deeply 
with the near and dear ones who mourn his early 
death, and we earnestly pray that the mysterious 
affliction which has removed him on whom they leaned, 
and in whom their hopes centered, may be tempered 
by infinite mercy to their sad and lonely hearts." 



A suitable monument has been erected over his grave 
by the kindness and efforts of the officers of the 13th 
Reg't Ky. Vols. 

We are again indebted to Mr. Munford for the valu- 
able services tendered in superintending the erection of 
this monument. 

We must now leave that which was mortal of our 
once animated, buoyant William, lifeless in the cold 



135 

grave at Munfordville, and follow his spirit upward, to 
mansions prepared for those who love God. 

If the great company of weeping mothers in our 
land — weeping because their sons are not — were asked, 
'* Is the Country's life worth the price ? " their sorrow- 
ing hearts might not be able to say " Yes ; " but a voice 
from the grave might respond for them, '' It is worth the 
price you have given." Notwithstanding the blood 
flowed freely, and the Country's life is above price, yet 
our hearts know in bitterness we give a priceless price. 
Let bereaved mothers, and fathers, too, and all people 
who lift their hearts to God, pray and labor that war 
may cease, that peace and righteousness may reign 
throughout our world. 

At the request of his grandfather, a funeral sermon 
was delivered in Granville, O., on the 2ist Dec, 1869. 
by his nephew, Rev. Timothy W. Howe, of Petaskala, 
O. We give an extract from the closing remarks of 
the sermon. The text may be found Psalms, cxvi, 15. 



136 



'' With the Christian's last enemy, the great battle 
was fought on the field of Calvary. The prince of life 
and glory met him there, and turning his own weapons 
against him, vanquished him. True, indeed, the victor 
died, for it was by death alone that death could be 
overcome. But the victory, the conquest, was thereby 
none the less complete, none the less glorious. Every 
victory over death, since that eventful triumph, has 
been but the fruit of that first glorious victory ! 

*' It is our Lord Jesus Christ who, having first gained, 
now giveth us the victory. The Apostle John saw in 
vision * a great multitude which no man can number,' 
who had through him triumphed over death. Had we 
been present, when he, whose funeral rites we, this day, 
celebrate, met the king of terrors, it need not be 
doubted, from what we know of his manner of life, that 
we should have witnessed another triumph. We can 
conceive how it was. There appeared, methinks, no 
conflict in the case, death made no show of resistance. 
He seemed to give up at once, he did not even look 
formidable. The victor remembered Calvary, and we 
apprehend death remembered it, too. 

'' In fact, he has never recovered his spirit to terrify 
believers, since that memorable conflict on Calvary, 
which proved so disastrous to his cause ; and he never 
will. Our young brother had much to live for; he was 
of that age to which, of all others, the world presents 



137 



the greatest allurements, the strongest attractions. His 
kindred, the Church of God, and a bleeding country, all 
were calling loudly for his strongest sympathies, and 
devoted services. And most manfully and magnani- 
mously was he responding to these imperious calls. 
But there was a voice to be heard above them all, say- 
ing, ' Come up higher,' and who can doubt that the 
love of life left him, as he heard this summons, and that 
the fear of death departed ? By nature he loved this 
life, and by grace he loved life eternal. That death 
scene was sorrowful and gloomy, but the sorrow and 
gloom were manifested by those only who surrounded 
his dying couch. He was calm and composed. In 
his case, as in all cases of true believers, death suffered 
a defeat ; indeed, was swallowed up in victory. Can 
such victories be ascribed to nature ? By no means. 
Are they the triumphs of philosophy ? Certainly not. 
They are the achievements of heavenly grace alone. It 
is the religion of our Lord Jesus Christ which van- 
quishes, which overcomes, and which triumphs in death. 
This glorifies the Lord of Glory and renders ' the 
death of the saints precious in the sight of the Lord.' 
* The death of his saints ' glorifies the Lord by its in- 
fluence on surviving relatives and friends. 

" The hand of the Lord is laid upon them heavily, and 
they realize it ; they call for sympathy. But the Lord 
himself becomes their refuge in such trials. The name 



138 



of the Lord they find to be a strong tower, into which 
they may enter and be safe from the power of affliction. 
When Christians feel right, they can adopt the language 
of Job : * The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken 
away, and blessed be the name of the Lord.' — ' Though 
he slay me, yet will I trust in him.' Such declarations 
of faithj such exhibitions of submission to the will of 
God, honor and glorify the riches of His grace in the 
sight of an unbelieving world. 

" We can see what strong ground for comfort is af- 
forded to the parents and kindred in the early removal 
by death of one so dear. Though young in years, Wil- 
liam seemed ripe in experience. We can adopt the 
language of Dr. Young with all sincerity in regard to 
him, ' Many fall as sudden, not as safe.' 



'* * Servant of God, well done ! 

Rest from thy loved employ : 
The battle fought, the victory won, 

Enter thy Master's joy. 



" ' Soldier of Christ, well done ! 

Praise be thy new employ ; 
And while eternal ages run. 
Rest in thy Saviour's joy.' " 




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RECOLLECTIONS 



OF 



MY FATHER 



1772-1871. 



**And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a 
good old age." — Genesis, xv. 15. 



NEW HAVEN. 
1876. 



These recollections of a venerable father, together 
with extracts from his letters, were penned by one of 
his daughters, in the hope that his grandchildren may 
take pleasure in their reading, and receive some benefit 
also from the valuable lessons to be drawn from the 
events, precepts, and example of his long life. 

M. C. Howe Johnston. 

New Haven, Conn., May 1st, 1S76. 



Extracts taken from a family record written by my 
father, Curtis Howe : 



" My Grandfather, John Howe, was born in Lon- 
don, England, in the year 1650. He came to this 
country some time after he became a man, purchased a 
farm in New Haven, Connecticut, and acquired a hand- 
some property. He was married at the age of sixty 
years to a lady of nineteen. My father, Ephraim Howe, 
was their youngest child, and was born in April, 1730, 
his father being at that time eighty years old. My 
grandfather Howe died in the ninety-fifth year of his 
age. My maternal grandmother was the daughter of 
Caleb and Lydia Seward. My mother, Damaris Sew- 
ard, was born June 8, 1740. 

'' My grandfather Seward died in Chester, Mass., aged 
ninety-two. He was distinguished for his conscientious, 
Christian deportment, and was considerably so as 



a politician. He was elected once or twice to attend 
the general Court at Boston, Mass., and was called Dr. 
Seward. 

'' My father and mother, Ephraim and Damaris, were 
married December 2, 1756; father in the twenty-ninth, 
and mother in the seventeenth year of her age. 

" I was born at Granville, Mass., East Parish, May 
lOth, 1772. My father and mother lived together 
nearly half a century and belonged to the Congrega- 
tional Church. Father held the office of deacon. He 
died at the age of seventy-seven years. Mother ling- 
ered many years to mourn his loss, and died at the 
advanced age of ninety-six. 

" Curtis Howe and Sibble Phelps were married May 
10, 1798. It was fortunate for me to find a companion 
so well qualified to accompany me along the rugged 
path of life. I might have looked in vain for a better ; 
and although separated many years by her death, her 
many virtues are fresh in my memory, and I trust will 
not be forgotten to the day of my death." 



My mother was born in Suffield, Ct. Her father — 
grandfather Phelps — spent most of his life in Springfield, 
Mass. In the decline of life he removed to Vermont, 



my mother then being about twenty-four years old. 
She and a brother remained there, but her parents 
soon returned to Springfield. My mother died July, 
1843, aged seventy-one. She had long been expecting 
death and would often say, ''How great a thing to die and 
go into the presence of God." Her faith was strong that 
God would fulfill His promises to all who come to Him 
through Christ. In His hands she could leave her chil- 
dren and children's children to the latest generation. 

Our early home was at Swanton, Vt. My mother's 
brother, John Phelps, went with his family from Ver- 
mont to Granville, Ohio, leaving his second son, Gama- 
liel, in Vermont, who, in time, was to join the family 
at Granville. As the time drew near for his journey 
there, his elder brother, Ralph, was sent to take 
him home. Ralph met Gamaliel at our house in 
Swanton, and after visiting a few weeks, made pre- 
parations to leave with his brother for Ohio, when 
he was stricken down with typhoid fever and died in a 
few days. His brother Gamaliel, sorely bereaved, could 



8 



not be comforted. To him all nature was wrapped in 
gloom. He said of the bright moon: *' How beautiful 
it would look if Ralph were alive !" He, too, was taken 
with the same fever, and very soon was laid in the 
grave by the side of his brother. The death of these 
two young men, at the age of twenty-three and 
twenty, just on the eve of being united in the 
family circle, was a sudden, heart-rending stroke 
to their family and friends — a mysterious provi- 
dence to short-sighted man. I well remember their 
sickness, death, and funerals. Three score years 
have gone by, but these events are still strongly 
pictured in my mind. At Ralph's funeral, Gamaliel 
was seated near the head of the coffin which contained 
the lifeless form of his brother. My parents and other 
mourning friends formed the sad company ; their 
grief was the greater because of those bleeding hearts 
in that far-off home in Ohio. Aunt Fuller was there, 
serene and composed, trying to comfort others. Dr. 
Strong, of St. Alban's, preached the funeral sermons. 



The text at Ralph's funeral was, " And ar, It is 
appointed unto men once to die," Heb. ix. 2'] ; at 
Gamaliel's, '* Fear God and keep His commandments," 
Eccl. xiii. 13. After each funeral, I stood by Aunt 
Fuller while she folded the pall which covered the coffin. 

My parents had five children, three daughters and 
two sons. As yet, death has not called for any one of 
us, and we remain an unbroken circle of brothers and 
sisters, the youngest being 68 years of age. 

My father was a farmer. He chose a rough coun- 
try and cold climate for his home — Swanton, Vt,, almost 
reaching the Canada line. Ledges, rocks, and stones 
covered nearly half the farm. The little valleys and 
meadows were thrifty ; in the latter we picked delicious 
strawberries. The snow drifted so high that we could 
jump on our hand-sleds from the chamber windows and 
slide swiftly to the bottom. Our father came in from 
the storm looking like a snow man. We seem to see 
him and our mother Jioiv as we saw them tJicyi, sixty 
years ago, in and around that old Vermont home — out 



10 

father plowing, sowing, reaping, threshing, gathering in 
the hay, the small corn, the little wheat he raised, the 
vegetables, the fruit. We see him in the garden, at the 
well, in the house, the barn, everywhere. Our mother, 
hard at work with her daily duties, carding, spinning, 
weaving, etc. We see them, too, grieving over their 
smaller losses, as when " Old Red," the fat cow, died ; 
when the horse, '^ Old Pomp," fell lame ; when the little 
lambs b'ecame sick, and father brought them into the 
house for mother to nurse ; and when, one morning, 
six fine sheep were found dead in the lot, killed either 
by bear or wolf. We children followed the narrow 
road by " the Great Oak," passing Mr. Owen's, Mr. 
Abie's, Mr. Brooks', to Missisquoi River, crossed it in 
a little canoe, and climbed the rolling bank, where men 
were pushing down the great pine logs, of which they 
made a floating raft. On top of the bank we picked 
the winter-green plants, with their pretty red berry, and 
carried them home to mother and Aunt Bathsheba 
Phelps, who were very fond of them (Aunt Bathsheba 



II 

married Mr. Fuller, of St.Alban's). We went to the 
maple-tree hill, and when father " sugared off," as they 
called it, we made snow-balls, and poured the thick, 
boiling syrup upon them, to see it turn into candy. 
We had lively times in winter ; sleigh-riding, snow- 
balling, sliding down hill, with plenty of tumbles in the 
snow, and many, many social visits among the old and 
the young. Father did not set his heart upon storing 
earthly goods. He often repeated to my mother the 
lines — *' Man wants but little here below, nor wants that 
little long." He fully believed in industry, honesty, and 
economy, however ; and with the help of our energetic, 
persevering mother — who did not object to an abund- 
ance — succeeded, with the blessing of God, in acquiring 
quite a little property before leaving Vermont^ though 
he met with many disappointments and reverses. 
Once, for instance, he came very near losing all he had 
by becoming security for a friend. The creditors sold 
his cattle, confined him to the bail limits, and attached 
his farm. This almost broke my mother's heart ; but 



12 



then, in after years, I heard her say that she could not 
leave her old Vermont home till she had acknowledged 
to her Heavenly Father that all the ways in which He 
had led her had worked for her good. 

In the discipline of his family, father was firm and 
uniform ; was opposed to most public amusements, 
especially dancing: did not favor our attending the 
shozvs (menageries) to see caged animals ; said their 
owners disregarded the commands of God, by being 
unmerciful to the beast. His children were allowed 
all recreation and amusement which he considered 
compatible with moral and religious principle. We 
might play blind-man's buff, or fox-and-geese, if we 
took a white kernel of corn for fox, and red ones for 
geese. He bought us no toys. We hopped up and 
down at the sight of a new schoolbook. 

In the family was a young woman from Springfield, 
Mass., named Emily Kent. She lived with us till she 
married, and remained in Vermont after we left. Father 
also had an adopted son, who came into our family 



13 

when an infant. He had him baptized, and gave him 
his own name for a middle one, calHng him Hiram 
Howe Davis. When he had grown to be a young man, 
Hiram left us, married in Ohio, and is now in Browns- 
ville, 111. He has six children, and twenty-four grand- 
children. 

Father encouraged education. He was a good 
scholar, for his day, in all the common branches. He 
taught school in Swanton several winters, and in the 
evenings he would give his children lessons in penman- 
ship, setting them copies with his own hand, drilling 
them, also, in the spelling of — Ail : to be troubled ; 
Table, etc. Under this home training, his children im- 
proved, much to his satisfaction. Sometimes he would 
rig up his large sled, drawn by oxen, and drive a com- 
pany of children several miles after sunset, to attend a 
spelling school. Among other things, he was well 
versed in the history of his country. For over eighty 
years of his life he was personally interested in its 
movements. He was active and conscientious in the 



14 

performance of civil and political duties, always very 
careful as to what sort of a man he was influential in 
putting into office. On the slavery question he had 
but one mind — that every man should be his own 
master. 

Mother became a church member soon after her 
marriage. My father, when quite a boy, was desirous 
of uniting with the church in Granville, Mass., but the 
officers of the church thought him too young, and ad- 
vised him to delay it for the present. He began to 
doubt as to whether he had really met with a change 
of heart, and did not make a public profession of 
religion till he was sixty-five years old. All his chil- 
dren united with the church before he did. Ministers 
would ask him if he did not deem it his duty to profess 
Christ before men. His pastor, Dr. Benjamin Wor- 
cester, used to tell liim he was '^ planting thorns for his 
dying pillow." On communion seasons he did not 
leave the church, but would retire to a back seat, 
apparently one of the most serious-minded men in the 



15 

house ; and he told mother often it was hard for him 
to stay away from the table of the Lord. But his not 
belonging to the visible Church did not hinder him 
from living the Christian life. He gathered his house- 
hold for family prayer, taught his children by precept 
and example to fear God, who searcheth the heart, and 
instructed them in the Scriptures, many parts of which 
they committed to memory. One chapter was the I2th 
of Romans, which we recited in a class, each repeating 
a verse in course. He was eminently a peace-maker, 
and would refer us to the i8th verse of this chapter, 
saying: '' Impossible as it seems to be to live in peace 
with all men, we must try hard to do it." The Com- 
mandments, Christ's Sermon on the Mount, and the 
Shorter Catechism, were among our prominent Sabbath 
lessons. 

Father was an excellent singer. He led the choir 
in Swanton for a long time, and in the absence of the 
minister, read the sermons to the congregation on the 
Sabbath. His house was the home of passing clergy- 



i6 



men, mother, as well as he, highly prizing their visits 
socially and religiously. Our parents were great read- 
ers, especially on religious subjects. On rainy days, or 
at odd times, father would read to mother. There were 
not many daily newspapers in those days, but they had 
books of all kinds — ** Pilgrim's Progress," "Baxter's 
Saints' Rest," " Watt's World to Come," " Emmon's 
Sermons," ancient and modern histories, Milton's 
works, etc. ; and sometimes they indulged in lighter 
reading. Mother would now and then get hold of 
what, perhaps, she would call a " religious novel," and 
read straight along till she reached the end. They 
were much interested in the first Home and Foreign 
Missions, and took the Missionary Magazine. Mother 
would read them over and over, telling us about 
Brainard and Elliot among the Indians, of Oobookia, 
at the Sandwich Islands, and of Asaad Shidiak, of 
Syria, not knowing she had a little future mission- 
ary by her side all the time. 

As was the custom in those days, father kept 



Saturday evenings. Sabbath night our neighbors 
would step in, and, with our father for leader, sing a 
number of old-fashioned tunes. Our uncle Amasa, 
would be there, with his wife, who was a very fine singer. 
The closing pieces would often be *• David's Lamen- 
tation," and the '' Farewell Anthem. " Mother could 
not sing at all ; father would sometimes ask her to 
lead the "Counter," which she would try to do while 
knitting; then afterwards he would playfully remark 
that the Counter didn't quite chord. After apples, 
and a glass of cider, the company broke up. 

At times father was overseer of the poor ; on his visits 
to them, he met with mothers, and infant children, who 
were homeless, and he did not rest until they were com- 
fortably provided for during the severe part of winter. 
He was also sometimes guardian for orphan children. 
One orphan said, after she was grown, that if all guard- 
ians were like Mr. Howe, that class of children would 
suffer less than they often do. As far as means would 
allow, he was full of works of charity and benevolence. 



i8 



In 1818, we made preparations to remove to Gran- 
ville, Ohio. To take us on our journey, we had two 
large wagons ; to one of which two yoke of oxen were 
attached, and to the other a span of horses. The 
morning we left, our friends and neighbors assembled 
in our front yard, where, after a prayer by old Mr. 
Owen, whose silvery locks waved in the breeze, we 
bade them good-by — good-by, also, to the ledges, the 
meadows, the old oak-tree, the orchard, the sugar- 
maple-trees, and all round about that was dear to us, 
and set our faces toward the West. We journeyed 
seven weeks, and it was often with difficulty, we could 
prevail upon the scattered farmers to give us a night's 
lodging. They said they had put their houses off the 
road on purpose to get rid of travelers, and still they 
would be troubling them. Part of the way we had the 
company of another traveling family. Father did not 
travel on the Sabbath; the others said they could not 
afford to stop, but the next Saturday night we were up 
with them. On reaching Granville, my father met his 



19 

brother Amasa and family, and many old friends from 
Massachusetts. He purchased a farm near his brother's, 
but itneverseemedhalfsoniceasourold Vermont home. 
The winters were mild, and the mud deep, no sleighs, 
no sleigh-bells, no glee. Father, however, could " farm 
it " with more facility than in Vermont. The soil was 
more pliable ; not so many stones in the way ; not such 
long icy winters ; everything flourished ; and our father, 
industrious and frugal, prospered in his worldly goods 
more than heretofore, so that in his old age he had 
enough and to spare. He was not dependent on any 
one, which added much to the quiet and comfort of his 
last days. His children all married in Ohio, but not one 
of them is in that State now, nor any two of them' 
in any State. They are scattered from the Atlantic 
to the Pacific Coast. 

The youngest daughter in the family, Marianne, 
married Rev. Thomas P. Johnston, who was a Mis- 
sionary under the American Board, from 1833 to 1853. 
They went to Turkey, Asia Minor. 



20 



We give extracts from her father's letters, written 
mostly to her, during her stay in Turkey, and after 
her return to America : 

Granville, Ohio, Sept. 12, 1845. 

" Your father is still alive, and in good health. He 
has a strong desire to see those dear grandchildren, 
who have never set eyes on the native land of their 
parents. We hear of severe troubles at Trebizond, of 
late." 

**Mr. Little ^ is still with us, preaching to good 
acceptance. Our religious meetings are well attended, 
especially on the Sabbath, the social meetings not so 
well, the monthly concert, rather better than others. " 

Speaking of mother's death, which occurred while I 
was in Turkey, my sister says : 

** The last days of our mother were peaceful. She 
was uncomplaining, suffered much and suffered pa- 
tiently, oh, how patiently ! If we ever meet, I shall 
tell you many things I cannot write. How many 
times she said, I have everything I need, and you to 
take care of me !*' 

* Rev. Jacob Little, then Pa.stor of the church at Granville, Ohio. 



21 



Writing, in 1846, on the same subject, a friend says : 

•' I well remember your mother on the morning you 
left for Turkey. You bade her not weep for her 
daughter, but she heeded you not. The tears stole 
silently down her wrinkled cheek. She visited us often 
before her death. Her mind and conversation dwelt 
upon eternal things, and she never left us without some 
instructive remarks. 

" A few months before her death, she came in a car- 
riage alone. After resting on the bed, perhaps an hour, 
suffering from her numerous debilities, she arose and 
commenced conversing in her usual heavenly strain ; 
asked mother if she thought we should know each 
other in heaven, etc." 

Father adds : 

** Your sister, B., has spoken of your dear departed 
mother. She has left a world of sorrow and pain to 
enter into the employments and enjoyments of the 
pure in heart, in a world where sin and sorrow are not 
permitted to enter. 

" Your sister Bancroft and family have returned to 
Granville, the climate of Missouri having proved detri- 
mental to their health. Curtis remains in Missouri. 
Ceha is to be married in a {qw days. 

My health remains good, rather remarkably so. I 



i( 



22 



am still able to do business, and perform some labor in 
the harvest field, and am comfortably situated with 
your much beloved sister, B." 

To his son-in-law, Mr. Johnston : 

" I rejoice to hear that Marianne's health is somewhat 
improved, and that she is inclined to remain in the Mis- 
sion. I hope it has not been in vain that you have 
labored so long in this self-denying work. We hope 
that the fruits of your labor may be seen and felt a 
hundred years to come. Indeed, it seems the fruits are 
already seen, as we read in the Missionary Herald that 
a church is organized in Trebizond. May it flourish 
abundantly, and outlive all opposition and persecution. 
' Cast thy bread upon the waters.' Much faith is re- 
quired in such a field of labor." 



''Dec, 1846. — Dear Daughter: Once more I sit 
down to write you a few lines — they may be the last. 
You speak of returning home ; I believe it is best. The 
anxiety and care of a missionary life, together with the 
constant wants and education of your large family, are 
more than should be required of one whose constitution 
is so broken down as yours appears to be. 

" We have been afflicted with sickness during the 
whole summer and fall. It has been chill and fever. 



23 



I hope, as winter comes on, the conaplaint will wear off. 
For a man of my age, this has been tedious to bear. I 
wish not to murmur at the dispensations of Providence, 
when I know that His strokes are fewer than my sins, 
and lighter than my guilt. May we all be sensible that 
afflictions do not spring from the dust, and may pain 
and sickness be a lesson of instruction to us, that we 
may learn where our dependence lies ! 

" We have heard, this morning, of the death of Hiram 
Howe, Daniel's son. He was at Cleveland, O., attend- 
ing the medical lectures. His death was very sudden, 
and very afflicting to his parents and friends. 

"While conversing with Hiram, to-day, he said: 
' You must say a few words to Marianne for me, in your 
letter. Tell her that / say it is best for her to come 
home and stay a year.' He appears very anxious to 
see you, and says he would receive your admonitions 
and advice with far different feelings than when you 
were at home. He wishes you to write him. It would 
be gratifying if you would write, and direct to him. 

" I read, again, that persecution rages very severely 
at Constantinople, and the missions around there. But 
we know that the arm of the Lord is stronger than the 
arm of persecution. Therefore, it may be hoped that 
Christianity may still prevail." 

In the following note, father speaks of a box of cloth- 



24 



ing, etc., which the ladies of Granville sent out to the 
Mission: 

" The box is almost ready, and is estimated to be 
worth fifty dollars. It goes, I trust, with the prayers 
and hearty good will of all, that it may reach you in 
safety, and be the means of rendering you and the 
suffering poor around you, some little relief. You will 
receive, by the box, many letters and papers. I some- 
times cherish the hope that I may yet have the pleasure 
of seeing you, and your dear family, in your native 
land." 

Speaking of his grand-children, he says : 

'' Munson and Curtis play well on instruments. One 
on the bass viol, and the other on the double bass. 
Edgar is learning to play on the violin ; so that you 
may expect, when you visit us, to be saluted with mu- 
sic in both ears. Marianne sings a good many tunes, 
pretty correctly." 

"June 10, 1852. — The loth of last month was my 
eightieth birthday. This, in some cases, would be an 
excuse for not writing. But I shall hardly feel autho- 
rized to shield myself under this; for, you see, my hand 
does not tremble so that I cannot write legibly, nor do 



25 



I feel that old age, as many are disposed to think, ne- 
cessarily brings second childhood. I may be mistaken, 
but I feel mentally pretty sound. 

" I visited your brother Mark's family a few days 
since at Zanesville. I found them comfortable, but 
deprived of his company. He thinks of settling at 
Marysville, Cal. So far he has had poor success in 
piling up gold, but his health is much improved. 

" Albert Sturges has gone on a mission to the South 
Sea Islands. He says you asked him when he was a 
very little boy, just before you started for Turkey, if he 
would not be a missionary, and he said he would ; and 
now he says, ' I wish you would tell her I am gone.' He 
is a promising young man. 

" Your sister Lucy takes care of her two little 
grandchildren, and their father sends her gold for her 
reward. Dr. Richards died this spring. His death was 
occasioned by a fall from his barn-loft. Dr. Bancroft is 
doing great things in his water-cure establishment." 

In May, 1853, Mrs. Johnston, with her eldest daugh- 
ter, arrived at Boston, and went on to Granville, Ohio. 
She writes of her visit there as follows : 

" My father was the first to greet me. He had 
changed but little, except that the gray locks were 



26 



snowy white. My first walk was with my father, to my 
mother's grave. In spirit, we felt that the wife and 
mother was with us. My two eldest children saw their 
grandfather of eighty years for the first time. In stat- 
ure their heads were above his ; I trust they received 
his blessing. I met many old friends, but many are 
gone not to return. Sister Lucy (Mrs. A. A. Bancroft) 
has grown old faster than her father, but is as active as 
ever. My rides with sister Bathsheba, Mrs. J. Hillyer, 
with whom my father resides, were most pleasant, a real 
luxury, after so long a separation. My brothers, John, 
Mark, and Samuel Luke, I have not yet seen. My 
nephews and nieces are nearly all men and women. Mrs. 
George Derby, and her little Florence, came on with us 
from Auburn, N. Y. On my return East, I spent a 
little time with my niece, Mrs. E. M. Palmer, at Buffalo, 
N. Y. She had recently buried her husband, and her 
infant daughter, Anna, is fatherless. After a few months 
the remainder of our family arrived from Turkey, and 
we found a temporary home at Salem, Mass." 

My father writes again, July 19, 1854: 

'* I have just returned from the funeral of Dr. Eager. 
I visited him a few days since. He complained of 
weakness, but was able to be about and converse freely. 
I little thought it was the last time I should hear him 
speak. Capt. Canfield likewise died yesterday. They 



27 



were both eighty-one years of age — about one year 
younger than myself. This should remind me that 
the time of my departure is at hand, and indeed all 
around me shows that my days are fast being numbered ; 
and yet, it does not seem to alarm me much, not as 
much, perhaps, as it ought. The text to-day was, 
' I know, O Lord ! that Thy judgments are right.' My 
health is much improved since last year. I am now 
able — and find it very necessary — to help in the field 
considerably. 

*' Mrs. West is here and will take to California the two 
grandchildren, and probably the two little boys that 
are with Lucy. Fanny is home safe from Iowa. What 
does old Salem say of the Kansas-Nebraska bill ? We 
feel the time must be hastening on when slavery must 
come to an end. If the salt you speak of is still to be 
found, let us hope that our country may yet be saved. 
•* You see that your father's hand is still able to guide 
the pen, while the hands of my cotemporaries, one after 
another, are becoming stiff and cold in death. I am 
still able to attend their funerals, but expect the time 
will shortly come when my friends will be called to at- 
tend mine. May this consideration suitably affect my 
mind. Tell the children their grandfather wishes much 
to see them before he dies. Mark is still in California 
hunting for gold. If he is so fortunate as to secure the 
pearl of great price, it will be far greater riches. 



28 



"Your uncle Howe is now over eighty, and is still 
able to get about pretty well. Hiram Davis lives near 
him. His family is nearly as numerous as yours. 
Cousin Timothy is at Etna. Emmons is with Mark. 
Cousin Daniel's folks live on the old place. Uncle 
Hiram Rose attends church pretty regularly. Aunt 
Achsa's faculties are much impaired." 

In 1856, Mr. Johnston's family removed to New 
Haven, Conn., and their second son, William, entered 
Yale College. 

His grandfather writes, Sept. ist, 1857: 

" It gives me pleasure to think that your children are 
being trained up — as I hope — in a good degree, in the 
way they should go. And, I can but strongly hope and 
trust they are all doing their best to improve the privi- 
leges they enjoy. Let me say to them all, ' These are 
golden hours.* Martha is already teaching, and I can- 
not but admire her courage. William, I think, is acquit- 
ing himself well in his college course. I like his plain 
round-hand writing. I have to thank Henry, likewise, 
for his short but comprehensive letter. I think he is 
making good improvement. Let him continue in well- 
doing. If he could be with me through the rest of 
vacation it would please me well. Lucy continues her 



29 



habits of industry and economy. Ashley's constitution 
is much broken down. They have probably made their 
last earthly remove, so that whenever you visit us, you 
will visit them also." 

** June 19. — We are glad you are having so good a 
time with your cousin Emily and her little Anna. This 
will be a fine treat, and to be valued highly by the chil- 
dren on both sides. We have been having a good time 
with Celia and her little flock ; and we now rejoice with 
her that the goods are so safely, so timely, and with so 
little damage, arrived. Her furniture is rich and most 
of it quite useful ; some, indeed, that I should not so 
much admire. But you know that I am an old-fashioned 
man — at least half a century behind these railroad times. 
The furniture is put up in style in the newly and well 
repaired house, and the new and well-finished rooms, 
and they are now ready to receive company. I have 
had the pleasure to take tea with them once, under the 
new arrangements. I have received letters from 
Samuel. Elizabeth is some better than common. The 
friends in California seem to be in good health 
and spirits. ^ ^ * You see I am not 

sending you money enough to increase your pride 
greatly, but it may eke out your means a little 
for the time being. If I knew any rule for polite 
invitations I would use it to invite Mr. Johnston 



30 



to bring you here on a visit ; but, as I have not, I 
must do it through you in the old way. I am unable 
to invite him personally, for I know not where to direct 
a letter so that it would reach him.* Martha should be 
commended for her untiring devotion to the comfort of 
her mother and the younger members of the family 
She will have her reward. I hope your health is im- 
proving. It is no trifling matter to have charge of a 
family, to provide for their daily wants, to see that every 
child is rightly trained, morally, religiously, and scien- 
tifically ; each must be duly attended to. You speak 
of William's going to Kentucky to teach. In the pre- 
sent excitement, is it safe for Free State men to go 
South to reside ? I could not advise a friend of mine 
to go there. Your brother Mark's son, Converse, writes 
occasionally. His daughters appear to be improving 
well. Mark Hillyer writes often from Kansas. He is 
much pleased with the country. Let me be remem- 
bered with the most tender affection to the children. 
Tell them it is my hearty desire that every one of them 
be good and obedient." 

To his grand-daughter, Martha Hall, November 23, 
1858: 

" When I find myself delinquent, and have no very per- 

* Mr. Johnstou was then agent of the American Bible Society in Mississippi. 



31 



manent excuse, I have to turn it over to old age and 
I see no better way to settle the matter with you : so 
with this, and hearty thanks for your kind letter, I will 
go on. 

" Now that Thanksgiving is just at hand, I hope we 
shall all be ready to feel and express our gratitude to 
our Heavenly Father for all his unnumbered blessings 
bestowed upon us. Melissa will be with us, and Celia, 
with her three little girls, and indeed all uncle Ashley's 
family; and would I could say that Martha, her father 
and mother, her brothers and sisters, could consistently 
be with us, to enjoy the luxury of a family visit ; but, 
as this cannot be done at this time, let me send greet- 
ing to you all, hoping you may all abound more and 
more in that lovely grace of gratitude." 

Of a grandson on his way to California, he writes : 

" We hope you will see Albert soon ; he can tell you 
about the revival. May a watchful Providence be over 
him, through all his long and perilous journey, and may 
his mind not be diverted from the great and most im- 
portant subject to which it has been especially directed 
for the few weeks past. 

" Did ever a returned missionary have as good cous- 
ins as yours? What kindness they manifest in their 
correspondence and the gifts that accompany it! Well, 
I trust you know how to appreciate all their kindness, 



32 



and let me tell you, you have two sisters here, that love 
you, and have hearts to do you good. The time seems 
long since you left for the North. Remember me affec- 
tionately to Mr. Johnston ; tell him I thank him very 
much for his note — especially, as he has written one that 
I was able to read." 

Granville, Aug. 26, 1858. 

''Dear Granddaughter: — I am happy to be able 
to answer your very kind letter, and perhaps a little 
more so, as I see the dear name of Sibble in the signa- 
ture ; it brings afresh to my mind the name of your 
grandmother, of precious memory. If you knew her 
virtues as well as your grandfather knew them, you 
would revere her memory, although you never saw her. 
It brings tears to my eyes, now, as I write, to think of 
the great loss I suffered in her death fifteen years ago. 
You speak of the comfort I may have in living here, 
where I may often see so many of my descendants. It 
is pleasant, indeed, and if those dear ones in New Haven 
were added to the list, and those in Iowa, and California, 
and Kansas, it would seem to fill up the measure of joy 
to overflowing. But, being deprived of this, every let- 
ter I receive from any of them helps to make up the 
deficiency, and I hopej/^z^ will not fail to do fully your 
share of it. And now let me congratulate you on the 
pleasantness of your home, and the superior advantages 
you enjoy to secure a good education, and I indulge 



33 



the assurance that you are improving your time well. 
And while you are rapidly advancing in the different 
branches of science, let me advise you not to forget or 
neglect to secure a competent knowledge of the com- 
mon branches of domestic life. A lady with all the 
advantages of a refined education, who knows nothing 
of the art of house-keeping, will be very apt to make a 
miserable figure in the world, I trust yoii will not be 
found one of this stamp. 

" With the hope we may yet have the happiness of a 
personal acquaintance. 

" I am your grandfather, 

** Curtis Howe. 

'' Mary Sibble." 



He says to his grandson Henry : 

" So you have fairly entered the students' ranks ! 
Well, I hope you will be able to act well your part. 
Your company of one hundred and thirty would almost 
be sufficient for a military company, and I hope you 
will climb the hill of science as courageously as ever a 
company of soldiers went up to the field of battle. 
Study faithfully, but do the best you can to preserve 
health. Exercise freely in the open air. If you would 
saw wood a while every day, it would do you good ; at 
any rate, do something that will bring every joint and 
3 



34 



muscle into motion. But I suppose your parents and 
teachers will attend to this. Tell Martha she must 
excuse me for not answering her kind letteratthis time, 
and tell Virginia her grandfather will not forget her. I 
must thank them both for the presents. I have not seen 
Melissa yet, but it is said she looks very well." 

^' Last week, and the week before, our time and at- 
tention has been considerably taken up with the vari- 
ous preparations, ceremonies, and parties, incidental to 
a wedding. Mark has chosen his companion and they 
have joined hands, and we hope hearts also. They bid 
farewell to their father's home, and to their friends, to 
seek their fortune in the prairie land of Kansas. How 
are the boys getting along in college ? I hope you will 
not encourage them to study so hard as to injure their 
health. Your sister B. will write when she gets rested 
from the fatigues of the wedding. 

" Hubert is here now visiting with his parents, his 
sisters, and all the little cousins. His business is in 
New York and Boston. What does M. do about going 
South ? How can you spare her? It seems as though it 
would break you up. What of the frost in your State ? 
Over a very great extent of country, herein the West, 
the loss is immense. One man told me yesterday, their 
loss in wheat would be at least three hundred dollars. 
Let your epistles be continued. I am much pleased that 
the children write to me ; I hope they will continue to 



35 



do so. How fast the years roll round ! These many- 
years since you left for the old world have passed like 
a dream." 

Aug., 1858. 

Dear Grandson : — So you are fast becoming a 
man of science ? Well, I hope you may be, or continue to 
be, a distinguished student, and that you may justly 
be as highly esteemed for your good name as a Chris- 
tian, as for your high attainments in learning. You enjoy 
a precious privilege. Don't you think that if your 
grandfather could have spent, when a boy, four or six 
years, in a school like that in New Haven, he would 
have been able to write you a much better letter than 
this ? But let me not forget to thank you for your last. 
It is written in just the manner that an aged grand- 
father likes to see, in that plain, beautiful style, that I 
could read as well as print. You will remember that as 
I am advancing in age, my eyes grow dim, and the 
most plain, elegant, old-fashioned writing, looks to me 
the best. As you expect to teach a while, I hope you 
will feel the responsibility you are under, to do your 
best, and do your pupils all the good you can. 

" Your affectionate grandfather," 

'' Curtis Howe. 

"William Curtis." 

'' It is now half past nine ; I have fed about seventy- 



36 



five chickens, tried to catch one, but failed, sawed a 
little wood, pared some apples, pumped water, and am 
now seated to write you a letter ; ain't your father 
smart ? '* 

As father advanced in years, his children, grandchil- 
dren, and great-grandchildren (those that were near), 
gathered together on his birthday, offering their con- 
gratulations and gifts, and thanks to their Heavenly 
Father, that grandpa had been spared another year, 
and praying that his health and life might be prolong- 
ed, for years to come. They read letters from distant 
family friends, made speeches, sung old tunes, etc., etc. 
But the best of all was grandpa's speech to them. These 
seasons he enjoyed wonderfully. Naturally social and 
warm-hearted, he craved the society of kindred and 
good old friends, more and more. 

In the following note he speaks of one of these festi- 
vals^ as he called them : 

'' June 21, 1859. 
"■ The picture you sent was exhibited before the 
Grand Festival. Some of the younger ones wrote 



37 



beautifully. I intend to copy what they wrote into a 
little book, that it may be seen in time to come. * * I 
believe that I sometimes acknowledge your favors, yet 
I do not remember of ever expressing my thanks for 
the handkerchief. It was received, and is a precious 
gift, and may be seen in my hand every Sabbath-day 
at Church. Try to conform your feelings to the day ot 
small things, and rest assured that your father loves 
you, and will try to do you good. I hope all those 
dear grandchildren are striving to be shining lights in 
the world." 

"Granville, Aug., 1859. 

*' Dear Daughter: — A few weeks since, I was ap- 
pointed by the officers of the Licking County Bible 
Society to distribute and sell Bibles in our district. I 
was presented a report of the parent Bible Society. 
This is quite a large pamphlet, and in looking it over, 
I found Mr. Johnston's report, away down in the dark 
regions of the South." 

" I could but think, when he described the destitution 
and poverty of the people, that his field must be em- 
phatically a hard one ; nearly, if not quite, as hard as 
it was when he was a missionary, and stoned by the de- 
luded inhabitants of Aintab. Let us sympathize with 
him in his self-denying work, and pray that his labors 
may not be in vain. 



38 



** Is there anything more delightful to contemplate, or 
to be engaged in, than in these acts of charity toward 
our fellow men ? O benevolence ! the richest blessing 
of earth ; may its influence rest in rich profusion in the 
heart of every member of our family, from children to 
grand-children, and to all my descendants, to the latest 
generation, in all time to come. And oh ! how precious 
is a spirit of forgiveness. May we all be so happy as 
to possess this spirit, and to carry it out in our lives. I 
always look for your answer soon. Tell the children to 
think of their grandfather. If I could be with you 
when Frontis and his father are there, I think it would 
be one of the best visits of my life ; but I cannot an- 
ticipate this pleasure. 

" Now it is high time for me to close. 

*' Your affectionate father, 

^' C. Howe. 
"Marianne." 

** The goodness of our God is manifested towards us. 
We have a goodly heritage. In the midst of these dis- 
tressing and unnatural war times, we are permitted to 
enjoy comparative peace and quiet. I feel grateful to 
my Heavenly father that in my old age I have not only 
spiritual comforts, and the best of friends, but am 
blessed with a competency of the good things of this 
life. How many old people, when they are deprived 



39 



of property, are cast away by those that ought to be 
their stay in the decHne of Hfe ! I endeavor to use 
prudence and strict economy, that I may be able to 
assist my children, and do good to the suffering poor. 

" Molly is teaching music in Reynoldsburg, but earns 
money slowly, as many of the people feel poorly able 
to support their daughters in a music-school. I was 
not very well yesterday, and am not well to-day. I 
could easily have excused myself from attending 
church — still I went. I am doing as you said, fixing 
my clothes for winter, and find it somewhat expensive. 
Henry Rose, son of L. Rose, died lately at or near 
Vicksburg. D wight has left Helena, Ark., on an expe- 
dition to Little Rock. How, and where, is Henry? 
The soldiers should not be crowded to hard duty this 
excessive hot weather." 



In 1862 Mrs. Johnston again visited her father in 
Ohio. He grew old slowly, appeared just about as 
young as in '53, stepping about in his ninety-first 
year, gathering fruit, etc. She was with him in the 
orchard, filling the baskets with apples, which he 
shook from the tree. Such a treat she had not had 
for years and years. His business matters were kept 



40 , 

in the best of shape, owing no man anything. At 
peace with all about him, at peace with God, he evi- 
dently realized in full measure the spirit of the text 
he always liked to quote : ^' Godliness with content- 
ment is great gain." He attended nearly all the weekly 
and Sabbath meetings. I had not heard him pray and 
speak in conference meetings before. It was comfort- 
ing to see him feel at home with the people of God. I 
know he was happier than when he stood outside, 
alone. He had a Bible-class of women, most of them 
over fifty years of age. His mind was active, his inter- 
est increasing in things at home and abroad, as years 
rolled on. He read a great deal — would hardly lay 
down the newspaper till he had read it through — by 
course. His second sight had come, and he could read 
without glasses. He was doing little jobs about the 
premises; part of the time at work in the field ; kept a 
horse and buggy for his own use ; took care of his horse 
himself, and in no wise believed in second childhood. 
Mr. Johnston's sons, William and Henry, entered the 



41 

U. S. Army in the fall of 1862. While with her father, 
Mrs. J. heard of William's death, from pneumonia, at 
Munfordville, Ky. He was Chaplain of the Thirteenth 
Regiment, Kentucky Volunteers. Grandpa deeply 
mourned, and while we were speaking of the early 
death of his grandson, I saw him brush away a tear. 
He was not given to weeping. I hardly ever in my life 
saw him shed a tear. 

Mrs. J. returned to New Haven in July, '63. Before 
she left Granville, Mr. and Mrs. Hillyer spoke of going 
to California, perhaps to remain there permanently. 
The question was, whether our father could stand such 
a trip. His daughter said if father could not go, she 
could not. Never were a father's and daughter's hearts 
more closely united than theirs. Grandpa made up his 
mind to go. 

On the eve of starting for California, he says : 

" We are closing up our business as fast as we can, 
and must finish within twenty-four hours. We have 
been on the stretch for several weeks, so that your 



42 



sister has frequently been tired out ; but now her 
labors of this kind, for a while, are nearly at an end. 
So, you see, one scene after another, is passing away, 
and we shall all soon pass away. How infinitely impor- 
tant to be ready ! 

^* I have just come in from my last visit to the orchard, 
that I took so much pains to plant and to prune. It 
was rather a mournful parting and farewell. Still it 
seemed cheerfully to greet me with its delicious fruit, 
which was very thinly scattered on its branches, but 
amply sufficient to satisfy all that my appetite could 
desire. 

*' It is a scarce year for fruit about here, yet we have 
had plenty, and would have had some for you, had you 
been where you could lay your hand upon it. Please 
see the inclosed. I hope it will help you along. I 
had intended it should have been more, but our ex- 
penses will waste away our funds, so that I do not 
know that I shall ever be able to add to it. 

**I am on the point of starting on an expedition — in 
magnitude and shape very different from any, that, in 
my long life, I have engaged in before. How it will 
terminate no one can tell. So I have to submit the 
whole matter to Him who doeth all things well, and 
overrules all events. 

*' Have the lamented Willie's goods arrived? I must 
say farewell. It may be for the last time, but I hope 
to hear from you on the Pacific Coast." 



43 

He stood the voyage quite well, and writes : 

''San Francisco, Cal., May 25, 1865. 
-You see I am now in this city. We have made a 
long visit here with our relatives and friends. Hubert's 
book establishment is very large, and is always full, 
as they have arrivals very frequently. His books have 
a very wide circulation. Curtis is practising law in Vir- 
ginia City, Nevada, and all reports say he stands high 
as a lawyer. Edgar has lately been promoted to 
Lieutenant-Colonel." 

'' Auburn, Placer Co. 
'* Your letter was received on the nth. So you see 
the birthday had but just passed. On the whole, I 
believe the company were well pleased with the doings. 
The repast was not sumptuous, but quite comfortable. 
It was a little too early for fruit, but we got, at a pretty 
smart expense, a good dish of strawberries. The pre- 
sents were numerous and costly. All these things call 
forth my warmest thanks. The climate here is pleas- 
ant, and the water where we are is good. If any one 
wishes to come here to get rich, he had better get rich 
before he comes. 

'' We are at present on a little ranch belonging to 
Curtis Hillyer, and have fruit of different kinds. It is 
rather a sterile place, yet there is something pleasant 
about it. It is a great comfort to feel that I have 



44 



friends, even those whose society I am not permitted 
to enjoy. May we have a happy meeting in that 
better world where parting is no more ! I was very 
glad to hear from Henry. Where is Oscar? Can 
Henry inform me respecting him? Daniel Rose — 
Ormand's son — was killed in battle." 

On his return from California he visited many places 
of interest in New York city. His grandson, A. L. 
Bancroft, who accompanied him, says : 

" We went to Cooper Institute, Bible House, Astor 
Library, American Missionary Association, office Prin- 
cipia, etc., and took dinner with Dr. Barlow." 

His grandsons, Oscar and Henry, were also with him 

part of the time. 

From Kansas he writes : • » 

''Grasshopper Falls, Kansas, July 4, 1867. 

^' When we arrived here last March, the season was 
wet, and continued so a number of weeks. It made 
me feel gloomy and uncomfortable. But since the 
spring has fairly opened, the face of things is altered. 

** Mark is emphatically a business man. We are filling 
150 sacks of corn for the Topeka market. He has 100 



45 



head of cattle and horses, and had got in 60 acres of 
wheat, when the grasshoppers came and — swept it — so 
that not a single plant can be found. 

"Last Saturday was the church meeting for prepara- 
tory lecture. Our letters were presented, and we were 
all received as members of the Congregational Church 
in this place. Yesterday was Communion Sabbath. I 
had the satisfaction to receive the elements from the 
hand of a beloved grandson. How very grateful I 
should be for this token of Divine favor. It brought 
tears from my eyes as we were returning from church. 
The Testament Albert ordered at New York is a most 
precious gift. A blessing upon his head for it. Your 
letters cheer us ; please send us more of them. It is 
hard for me to write with my dim eyes ; still, I like to 
receive letters just as well as if I could ansv/er them." 

He had come to the table of the Lord with members 
of his family to the fourth generation. His heart over- 
flowed with gratitude that God had so blessed him and 
his seed after him. 

"May, 1868. — Martha's kind letter was read with a 
bundle of others on the birthday. Let my thanks be 
expressed to Mr. Walker for his kind remembrance of 
an aged grandfather he never saw. We sang the tune, 
'Old Bristol' — it was sung when I was in the Quire 



46 



in old Granville, Mass. — * The lofty pillars of the sky/ 
etc. It is equal to the best tunes sung at this day. 
The closing piece was the ' Pilgrim's Farewell.' 

" Oct. I. — Your brother and sister Hillyer have been 
quite sick. Hannah, too, and her little boy are great 
sufferers. Sometimes these things are a little hard 
on me, but I have not a word of complaint, for I 
am blessed with mercies." 

On the death of an infant great-grandchild, he 
says : 

*'Aug. II, 1870. — The deep affliction M. speaks of 
is the sudden death of the youngest of her four boys. 
How very uncertain are all our dearest treasures ! Our 
nearest friends, and even the little one that is loved 
so dearly, as in a moment may be snatched from its 
parents and leave them to mourn, almost refusing to 
be comforted. We mourn with them ; we pray for 
them, but cannot restore their lost one. May this 
affliction teach them not to set their affections too 
strongly on any earthly good." 

The following extract was addressed to his nephew. 
Rev. T. W. Howe, of Petaskala, Ohio. The letter is 
one of the last he wrote, about two months before his 
death : 



47 



'* Grasshopper Falls, Nov. 12, 1870. 

* ' To my Well-beloved Nephew : 

" Rev. and Dear Sir : — A good while ago I had the 
pleasure of seeing a letter from your hand, to our 
friends in California. It carried me back many years 
in a moment of time, and seemed, as it were, to set my 
feet on years of sixteen, eighteen, twenty, and so on ; and 
when my thoughts were there — on the stretch — they 
were much inclined to travel hastily over many years, 
away back to 1780, '90, and 1800, bringing to mind 
some things pleasant, and many heartily to regret. 
Now I think how I would like to go back and rectify 
them. But, as this cannot be, I have only to repent 
and reform. This I am endeavoring to do, and consider 
it a great privilege. I rejoice to hear that you are still 
pursuing your labors in the Gospel, and that your work 
may be done with less fatigue, being concentrated. 
May your labors be crowned with your highest expec- 
tations and hopes ! 

" So brol her Daniel * is gone ! He had a very laborious 
life, and a very useful one. Let us endeavor to imitate 
his many virtues. With regard to my promise to write 
you, I will confess my fault at once, and beg pardon, 
though I do not distinctly remember it. Many diffi- 
culties and troubles have occupied my mind since 

* His brotlier Amasa's eldest son, who died at the age of eighty- 
one years. 



48 



I left our pleasant home in Ohio. We have now 
rather a pleasant home in Kansas, a Congrega- 
tional church, a meeting-house, and minister; but we 
need, very much, more members, and much more vital 
piety. We have plenty of worldliness — intemperance, 
and other kinds of wickedness; still we hope for better 
times, and must endeavor to do our part in so desirable 
an object. Much respects to your family. 

*' Very respectfully, 

'' Curtis Howe. 
- Rev. T. W. Howe." 

On finishing the writing of his Family Record, in 

1857, at the age of 85, he remarks : 

*' Here I close this imperfect sketch. Goodness and 
mercy have followed me all the days of my life ; and 
now, may the little time I have to live, testify to the 
gratitude I feel for these manifold blessings." 

After a short illness, father died at Grasshopper Falls, 
Kansas, January 16, 187 1, aged 98 years and 8 months. 
His grandchildren — as we have the record — number 
twenty-seven ; his ^r^^i'-grandchildren, fifty ; and his 
great, great, grandchildren, four. 

*' Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and 
peace upon Israel." Ps. cxxviii. 



